Gerald Leroy 'Jerry' Gates, 64
Gerald Leroy “Jerry” Gates, 64, passed away in the early morning of his favorite holiday, Christmas, 2016, after a brave battle with dementia.
Born in Missoula on March 6, 1952, to Ben and Beth (Berry) Gates, Jerry attended Polson High School.
After graduating in 1971, Jerry married the love of his life, Laurel (Warren) Gates and enlisted in the National Guard.
One of Jerry’s proudest accomplishments was his service in the Special Forces. His talent, hard work and dedication earned him expert marksmanship, airborne wings, accolades for number of jumps, and various military awards. Once the Special Forces were disbanded, Jerry joined the tanker unit and later worked in the operational maintenance shop as a diesel technician.
In his spare time, he volunteered at West Valley Fire Department, which spanned 12 years. After 34 years of military service, Jerry retired as an E7 in 2004. Unable to sit still, Jerry continued to work as a maintenance technician at the Montana Department of Transportation until fully retiring in 2011.
While a dedicated military member, Jerry was also a devoted outdoorsman. Hunting, camping and fishing were more than hobbies, they were the way of the Gates’ life; and, as long as Jerry was surrounded by family in the mountains or Eastern Montana prairies, he was happiest. His nature is best represented by John Muir’s quote, “I’d rather be in the mountains thinking of God, than in the church thinking about the mountains.”
His infectious smile and lively laugh will forever echo in the Arizona high desert where he and Laurel took numerous Razor rides during retirement. His childlike exhilaration from riding off-road was matched only when driving in his 1967 Mustang through Glacier National Park or participating in local car shows.
Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Ben; his father-in-law, Maxwell Warren; and his mother-in-law, Ramona Warren.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Laurel Gates, of Polson; daughter Tanya, daughter-in-law Alison, and grandson Maxwell, of Florence; son, Mathew, daughter-in-law Tina, and grandson Justin, of Kalispell; mother, Beth, of Missoula; brother, Dennis and sister-in-law Linda, of Lolo; sister, Ena Riesling and brother-in-law Mark, or St. Helens, Oregon; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Jerry is best remembered as a great family man and dependable friend. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
A private graveside service with full military honors will be held in January.
A public celebration of life will be held in the spring at the family’s home in Polson.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Quality of Life for the great care of Jerry in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Wishes for Warriors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to returning hope and passion back into the lives of our combat wounded heroes through therapeutic outdoor adventures. Jerry lived his life to honor the Special Forces motto, “De Oppresso Liber,” or “To Free the Oppressed.” In his honor, please contact: http://www.wishesforwarriorscorp.org/give-back.