Alan Cates "Sky King"

Alan D. Cates "Sky king" was born in Chicago, Illinois, en route to Denver, Colorado on November 14, 1954 to James and Alice Cates. He was one of three children. With his father a career military man in the Air Force his family moved often and it inspired Alan to also enlist in the Air Force in 1973. His time in the Air Force took him to many places, but he lived a majority of the time in Thailand where he had one son, Andrew. Once he was released from the military, Alan began a career as a pilot with a private liner company and FedEx. That was until he met Dee Swaim and fell in love.

He and Dee were married on October 13, 2002 and moved to Hawaii to be near their son, Todd. This is when Alan discovered his love of carpentry. He enjoyed doing a little bit of everything and helping build military housing. When Todd returned to Colorado, so did Dee and Alan to be close to family. They were in Golden for a time, and then made the move to La Junta, where they raised chickens and enjoyed a quiet life.

When Alan wasn't working on building things you could find him sailing, fishing, riding his Harley, watching his favorite Western, gardening a special plant, or volunteering his time cooking at the American Legion.

Alan will be fondly remembered by his wife of 20 years, Dee; sons, Andrew and Todd; grandchildren, Micaiah, Ruth and Lydia; siblings, Kenny and Sue; in laws, Bruce & Karen Swaim, Don & Lisa Swaim, Barb & Clark Shivley and Brian & Liz Swaim; and many friends and extended family members.

Alan will be laid to rest on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at 10AM at Ft. Logan National Cemetery in Denver, CO. A Memorial Service will follow at 11AM at Advantage Runyan Stevenson. Family and friends will gather for a Celebration of Life at The American Legion - Post 178 to share a meal and stories after the memorial service. You are encouraged to bring your favorite dish to share. Alan’s wish was to have his family and friends gather, have fun, and share stories.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Cates family may be left at www.AdvantageRunyan-Stevenson.com.