Gordon Dennis Yates died peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2024. Born in Detroit on Jan. 19, 1934, he was the son of the late Olen and Ruth (Wuerfel) Yates.
He is survived by his children: son Robert S. Yates and wife Heather (Ferguson) Yates, daughter Cheryl Richmond, and son Paul Yates.
He is also survived by his grandchildren: Amanda Yates and her significant other, Zachary Jolin; Katelyn Martin and husband James; Ryan Richmond; Scott Yates; Kayla Richmond; Brittany Yates; and Tyler Yates as well as his sister Nancy Yates and longtime friend Olivia Torani.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Gerald Yates, Larry Yates, Bill Yates, and Don Yates and his sister Beverly Chisnel (Yates).
Gordon grew up in Birmingham, MI in the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s. He became a design engineer for Ford Motor Company while funding himself through college and in the early 1960s, Gordon moved to Massachusetts and took a position with Honeywell Corporation. Gordon took on many positions with that company along with moonlighting as a civilian employee working for the Department of Defense for several years.
Gordon was a religious child of God his entire life. He was also very athletic throughout his life, exceeding in skiing, mountain climbing, biking, and swimming.
Growing up Gordon enjoyed spending time with family and friends and was always willing to give a helping hand. He took the family many times to Michigan, visiting his siblings and giving his children a very strong bonded relationship with cousins creating wonderful memories.
Upon retiring in 1989, Gordon purchased a home in Bedford, where he rented rooms to friends from church. He resided there until becoming suddenly illness requiring him to get 24/7 care in memory rehabs. His hereditary health issues crept up on him within weeks. Hospice assisted his journey for his last 23 days until God took his hand.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation for the life of Gordon from 1 to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6, immediately followed by a funeral service officiated by longtime family friend, Father John Olsson at 2 p.m. in the Ginley Crowley Funeral Home, 3 Barber St. in Medway (https://ginleyfuneralhomes.com). Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Medway.
In lieu of flowers, donations honoring his name may be made to Pan-Mass Challenge, 77-4th Ave. Needham, MA 02494.
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