Dr. Michael E. Gates, formerly of Coldwater, passed away at McLaren Macomb Hospital October 28, 2021 of complications consequent to a SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Michael Gates was born to Ralph and Rosemary Gates July 7, 1952 in Detroit. The oldest of six children, he attended Catholic school in Mt. Clemens. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Michigan State University in 1974, and went on to attend the Medical College of Wisconsin, graduating in 1978 as a Doctor Of Medicine.
While completing his residency at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, he met and married registered nurse Elaine J. Dufek. He began working as an Emergency Room physician at Coldwater Community Health Center in 1980. Soon, Michael and Elaine had two children, Lucas and Russell. While at CHC, Michael served as a Board Member and Chair of the Finance Committee. Co-workers have often noted his professionalism and dry sense of humor.
Michael retired from medicine in 2005 and relocated to Hillsdale. There he enjoyed many of Hillsdale College’s events and activities, tutored various students, mentored young men through Helping Hands, and was for many years a board member for Right To Life (donations welcome in his honor).
Michael and his oldest son, Lucas, spent many years co-authoring a work of historical science fiction about time travel, philosophy, Benjamin Franklin and the American Revolution. An unfinalized version is at: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TECA7C6/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1. Having given speeches on Old Ben in scholarly detail, Michael frequently segued into Franklin adages during mid conversation. He also had developed a penchant more recently for older movies and boogiewoogie dance.
Michael is survived by his two sons, Lucas and Russell.
Due to Covid-19, a memorial has been postponed until a later date.
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