Contributions to the tribute of David C. Cates

K

Karen posted a condolence

Thursday, August 4, 2022

Last night I was telling friends about a lovely, short encounter I had with David in January 2009 in a cafe in Maplewood. He told me about his experiences on the Navajo Reservation, and he recited a poem he had written about a Navajo child. When I said how much I liked it, he told me another that had to do with a small boat in the river somewhere around Weehawken. I live in Arizona, but I wanted to see if more of his poetry was available, so I searched for him online when I returned home. I found only a few rudimentary facts. On subsequent visits to my son in So. Orange, I stopped by the cafe in Maplewood a few times on the chance he might be there, but I never was fortunate enough to cross paths with him again. One of the friends I mentioned him to last night did a Google search, and found this obituary. I want to say that he was clearly a special person, and my brief encounter with him left a lasting impression.

B

Bill Crozier posted a condolence

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Many memories, especially from The Hanover Bank days and MA Schapiro. If Gwen is willing I'd love to be in touch

R

Rev. David F. Harwood posted a condolence

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

I was the friend and pastor to David back in the 90's. He made you laugh, he made you think, he kept me on my toes and turned the Seeker’s Service Dan Bottorff led into a wild west adventure. The depth of his knowledge was incredible. His skill with a flute like magic. I always saw David Cates as a Nicodemus, that old man who comes to Jesus in the middle of the night with that question burning a hole in his soul while the rest of us, me anyway, are in the habit of not raising our hand until we already know the answer, except it’s from the David Cates of the world that we all learn. May our spirited friend now be at that place where all unanswered questions find a response.

N

Norma & Bill Hockenjos posted a condolence

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Dear Jane and Family, David was a wonderful fellow to have on a retreat - playing his flute, entering into conversations and asking hard questions. On Sunday mornings his recounting his many adventures was always a treat and filled us with wonder and appreciation. Our deepest sympathy to all of you and know of our gratitude for such a joyful life that lit up so many of us when we were in Westfield.

D

Dan Bottorff posted a condolence

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

We remember David in so many ways. Friday breakfasts for many years; stories of growing up; education; wives, children; Navajos--life and language; young man sailing; military photography; studying banks and their valuation; consulting and testifying; flute playing for fun and affirmation; filming and editing; puzzling about his own character; taking on the stage of life, even dementia, as the next "adventure."

S

Steven R Standefer posted a condolence

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

My father Harold Standefer served with Dave Cates mapping the China coast in 1946. As it turns out, He was raised in Winnetka, IL just a few blocks from where my brothers and I were in the 1960s. Dave was gone by then, though, and we never met, though we heard about him from our father. Condolences and best wishes to his family.

M

Mark Standefer posted a condolence

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

I was sorry to hear of David's passing. Our father, Harold Standefer, was also a photographer and served with David in the Navy. I read with interest David's essay Okinawa: 1946 as it reflected on our father's experience as well as David's. I wish that I could have met David, as he was obviously an interesting and engaging personality. I am sure that your family misses him greatly. Please accept the condolences of the Standefer family to the Cates family. If any in the Cates family would like to compare photographs from the Navy experience of which David has written, please contact me. I have a photograph of David taken by our father that I would like to share with you.

David C. Cates

1926 - 2015

Plant a tree in memory of David