Curtis Gates

GATES - Curtis J. Gates, age 67, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 2, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. He was born February 28, 1952, to Lyman and Joan Gates. Curt was a 1970, graduate of Cedar Springs High. Curt was married to Valeri (Laitila) Gates, on October 6, 1972 and had lived in the Cedar Springs area since then. Curt worked in the building trades for the past 41 years. Curt served in the National Guard for 6 years. Curt was proceeded in death by his father, Lyman Gates, brother, Stephen Gates, sister, Christine (Gates) Scheppe and sister-in-law Kathi (Mathews) Gates. Curt is survived by his mother Joan Gates, brother Bryan Gates, wife Valeri Gates, daughters Brooke (Gates) Wiles, James. Kylah (Gates) Sullivan Ryan, and Elizabeth (Gates) Sall, Derek. And his five adoring grandchildren, Savannah, Zander, Addilyn, Keir, and Eli. As well as several nieces and nephews. Curt's love for the outdoors was very evident. Curt had many fishing stories to tell and was always excited to share them. His time was spent between his home in Cedar Springs and cottage in Beulah, Mi. On summer weekends, you could find Curt trolling for salmon and lake trout on Lake Michigan's Platte Bay. In the fall, Curt enjoyed time in the Upper Peninsula hunting deer and ducks. On winter weekends, Curt could be found on the ice at Crystal Lake jigging for lake trout and whitefish or catching smelt and perch for the next fish fry. Curt enjoyed catching and giving away his catch to his friends. Curt will be remembered for his hard work, love, respect, resilience, loyalty, and a great sense of humor. He will be missed, but will live on through wonderful memories. The family will greet relatives and friends 3:00 to 6:00 PM on Sunday and 10:00 to 11:00 AM on Monday at.Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Drive NE, Belmont. A memorial service will be held 11:00 AM Monday, May 6 at Stegenga Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or Faith Hospice. To share a photo, memory and sign the family's online guestbook please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Curtis J. Gates please visit our Sympathy Store.