Gary Keith Gates

Gary lived his life his way, the best he could, and at the end of the line, as the song goes, “it’s all right.”

He brought a lot of adventures to his family and friends, and more than a few mis-adventures. At times Gary spoke of regrets, like not following his Dad’s advice at a young age and making decisions that sent him down a hard life path. At the same time, he would say how lucky he was to have joy in his life, loyal friendships, and the enduring support and love of a tight-knit family.

He loved his family and friends with all that his big heart could give. He wanted everyone to be happy and have fun, and when he met someone new he wanted to know their story. He gave everyone the benefit of the doubt, until they proved him to be wrong. Gary assumed everyone was a good person.

Gary loved to tell stories, and he had a LOT of stories! Sometimes the story you heard 6-months ago had a new and exciting twist to it in a later re-telling.

Gary was a hard worker, with a strong work ethic that he attributed to the example provided him by his Dad. He had a few jobs throughout his work life. Gary was most proud of the years he spent as a Produce Manager, where he used his skills connecting with people, and his perceptive business sense ordering, displaying, and selling perishable food. His customers loved him and his way of engaging with them - offering produce samples, and eagerly sharing his knowledge of how to identify the “best” whatever it was (peach, watermelon, etc.) In recent years, he used his knowledge and experience to start his “Tread 4 U 2” quality used-tire business. Some of the locals affectionately referred to him as “Gary Schwab, The Tire Man.”

Gary fell in love with motorcycles from a very early age and loved riding. His “dream job” would have been as a motorcycle salesman. The last few years he especially enjoyed riding his BMW motorcycle throughout the back roads of Southern Oregon, where he retired to the small town of Rogue River in 2019.

In the past few years, Gary experienced ongoing medical problems. He also faced some new and significant health challenges, caused by Ramsay Hunt syndrome. These included partial facial paralysis, compromised vision, and worsened hearing with the addition of constant ringing in his ears. As difficult as all of this was, Gary rose above it as best he could and continued to live an active life.

Gary is loved, and very much missed. It is so hard to believe he is gone.

He is survived by his loving partner, Mary Nonziato and her family members (Renee, Desiree, Sean, and Amber); his beloved and supportive mother, Adair Gates; brothers Ted Gates (& Paula) and Doug Gates (& Karen); niece Kristen Johnson (Dayn, Jordyn, and Dawson); nephews Ben Gates and Jack Gates; numerous cousins; and many, many friends. He is pre-deceased by his father, Thurston Gates, as well as by Mary’s sons, Akio Rickert, and Cody Clark (who was a young child when Gary met him, and who he loved as a son.)

In lieu of flowers, Gary would appreciate donations to support the important work of AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) in honor of Akio and Cody. This link goes to Mary’s fundraising page for the upcoming 10/7/23 Portland Suicide Prevention Walk, “Out of Darkness”. https://supporting.afsp.org/participant/2950389

A service of remembrance for Gary will be held Saturday, October 14th, 2pm, at Young’s Funeral Home, 11831 SW Pacific Highway, Tigard. All are welcome. Come as you are.

Following the service, at about 3:30pm, family will host a pizza and soda gathering at The Old Market Pub and Brewery, 6959 SW Multnomah Blvd, Portland.