Robert L. Gates

ROBERT LAMONT GATES was born on February 3, 1975 in San Diego, California. He was an only child born to loving parents, Shirlee Gates and the late, Robert Gates Jr. He received his formal education through the San Diego Unified School District and graduated from Mira Mesa High School with the “Class of 1993”. He continued his education at Mesa College, Miramar College and graduated from Menlo College in Fresno, California with a major in Business Administration. Robert believed in higher education to be successful in life.

Robert and his parents attended Victory Baptist Church, where he accepted Christ at the age of seven and was baptized by the late Reverend Clarence White. In 1995, Robert rededicated his life to Christ and united with Mesa View Baptist Church, under the spiritual guidance of Pastor Johnson. 

After graduating from college, he worked in the field of assisting others in obtaining a successful career. His first job was in the human resource employee relations department. In 2017, he began his employment with Carestat LLC. During his employment, he made many lasting friendships with his peers as well as management.

Robert had a great love for sports: basketball, his favorite team was the Lakers; football and baseball, his favorite team was the San Diego Padre. He played baseball in college at Menlo. After college, he coached the varsity team at Scripps Ranch High School. He greatly enjoyed fishing at the lake with his childhood friend, Art Harris.  Robert’s mother said that between the two of them, she did not see much fish, and that she is still waiting with a hot skillet for the large catch of the day. Robert’s pet name for his mother was “Biggie” when he did not need something and “Mom” when he needed her help.

Robert was a very inquisitive person.  He pondered and questioned the reason for many things in life.  He was always researching and finding answers on the website or at the library. He enjoyed discussing many matters of the world including politics.  His mother said she always imagined and would not be surprised to find him working for the CIA.  He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed life to the fullest. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

On Thursday, April 18, 2019, Robert Lamont Gates was called from earthly labor to eternal rest. He leaves to cherish his memory; his best friend and mother, Shirlee Gates; his aunt, Floretta Parker of San Diego, CA; four uncles, William Artis and John Artis of Norfolk, VA, Eddie Earl Gates of Minnesota and Robert Earl Gates of Memphis, TN; special friend, Melinda Hosley of Murrieta, CA; and a host of other relatives and many friends.

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