Richard Crane Gates ’54
Richard Crane Gates ’54 of Atlantis, Florida, passed on February 14. Born in Burlington, Vermont, his early years were spent in Greenfield, Massachusetts. He enjoyed summers at an ancestral cottage in Brooklin, Maine, with extended family. He played football and lacrosse at and graduated from Deerfield Academy. At Dartmouth he majored in history and was in the Air Force ROTC. He was on the football and lacrosse teams and an All-American in lacrosse. A brother at Alpha Delta Phi, Dick was also in Green Key Society, Casque & Gauntlet, and Interfraternity Council. In 1955 he earned an M.B.A. at Tuck School. His Air Force commission led to three year of active duty as an F-86 pilot and promotion to captain. He began civilian employment in banking but transitioned to accounting when he got his CPA license—working first in a public firm and then as an independent serving individuals, nonprofits, and for-profits. He served the College as a class agent and as a member and officer within a Florida-area Dartmouth club. Dick was predeceased by his wife, Susan, brother Harry, and stepson Steven. He’s survived by daughter Elizabeth, son William ’81, stepson Joey, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild as well as Virginia, the mother of his children.
