Harold Wren Gates, age 91, died at Summerhill Retirement Center in Oak Harbor July 9, 2016. He was born Feb. 26, 1925, in Tekamah, Neb., to Charles William and Lucile Yerkes Gates.
Harold graduated from Tekamah High School in 1943, served on active duty with the U.S. Army Air Force during WWII as a pilot. He trained on the P-38 Cobra and the P-40 Warhawk and finally was assigned to his favorite aircraft, the P-38 Lightening.
Following the war Harold attended the University of Southern California, where he received his degree in accounting in 1949. His older brother lived in Hawthorne, Calif., and Harold lived with him while attending USC.
Harold began his career with the California Department of Highways as an auditor, but spent most of his working career as a supervising accountant for the Department of the Air Force at McClellan AFB. He retired in 1984.
He was married to Anna Helen Swift, and they adopted a daughter. They were divorced in 1969.
While at McClellan, Harold met and married Erika Hartung. They began their lives together in Sacramento. Erika was diagnosed with M.S., and Harold became her primary caregiver as she slowly lost the ability to care for herself. They moved to Oak Harbor in 1989 after spending time here with friends. Erika passed away in 2008.
Harold became very active in the M.S. support group, which met at Summer Hill, and served as the group treasurer.
He also enjoyed researching his genealogy and was involved in a local genealogy group.
He was an avid square dancer for many years with the Whidbey Whirlers, also serving as the club treasurer.
He also enjoyed swing dancing, and participated with a group in Mount Vernon for several years. Harold was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Oak Harbor, where he was active in various committees and enjoyed weekly Bible studies.
Harold is survived by his brother Charles H. Gates, of Lincoln, Neb.; son John H. Gates and his wife Julie, of Mount Vernon; daughter Karen L. Gates, of Sacramento, Calif.; stepson David Ireland and his wife Teresa; stepdaughter Susan Quattrocchi; stepson Erich E. Ireland and his wife Kim; stepson Philip C. Ireland; and stepdaughter Kathy Ireland.
He is also survived by nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two very dear friends, Rita Lambert and Judy Norton.
A celebration of life for Harold Gates will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 13 at the Oak Harbor First United Methodist Church, with Pastor Dave Peterson officiating.
A reception for family and friends will follow. Military honors will be held under the auspices of the United States Air Force Honor Guard, Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Please visit Harold’s page in the Book of Memories at www.wallinfuneralhome.com to share memories and condolences. Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home and Cremation, LLC, Oak Harbor.
