WEST ENFIELD – Robert E. Gates, son of the late Willis and Edna Gates of Millinocket, passed away peacefully on Oct. 23, 2003, in his sleep after a brief battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife and constant companion, Clarissa Gates, and their two young children, Gatesy and Lille Gates. Bob also leaves behind his adult children, Stephen Gates, Sue and Norman Clark, Nancy and Richard Grant and Jan and Tony Davis; his children from his first marriage; his sisters, Margaret and Woodrow MacDonald, Francis and Aubrey Grant, Joan Larlee, and Joyce Michaud; and numerous nieces, nephews and grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Billy; and a son. Bob was educated in Millinocket, attended Ricker Junior College in Holden and attended the University of Maine. Bob will be best remembered for his love of sports, his musical talents and his charismatic personality. Bob spent his retirement years playing keyboard in his band, The Dixielanders, with his family and his dear friend, Paul Phelan, delivering papers for the Bangor Daily News, solving crossword puzzles, watching his children grow, and loving his family. At his request there will be no viewing and no flowers. All family and friends are invited to attend his interment to take place at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, in Millinocket Cemetery. Bob did not march to the beat of a different drummer-he was the drummer.
ROBERT E. GATES
