Michael Mike Wayne Gates

He grew up in Artesia, New Mexico always looking up to his big brother, Steve Gates and palling around with his little brother, Larry Gates. He attended the first underground school, Abo Elementary School and graduated from Artesia High School with Bulldog Pride in 1972. Mike graduated from Baylor University with a degree in Geology. He enjoyed watching his “Bears” play sports and could always be found wearing green. Mike moved to Midland and worked for Texas Oil and Gas, Tamarack Petroleum, was a partner in Gates-O’Brien, Inc., and partnered with many other friends in the oil and gas business. Mike married the love of his life and “smokin-hot wife”, Paige Hubbard Gates, on October 15, 1983. He was very blessed to have Bonnie and Orman Hubbard as his in-laws. They had two “golden hearted” girls, Carrie Gates Hawkins and Morgan Wheatley Gates. Mike was proud of and loved his new son-in-law and buddy, Grant Hawkins. Mike’s best friend’s were his beloved dogs and his favorite afternoons were sitting on the porch with them.Mike served as the President of the YMCA for two years. He was also an active vestry member of Holy Trinity Church. He had a passion for playing and watching tennis and was honored to be elected as the Tennis President of the Tennis Association at Midland Country Club for four years. He was an excellent skier and loved to ski the slopes as a 13 year member of Aspen Three Flags. Mike captained many sailboats through the deep seas of the Caribbean, Pacific and Mediterranean. Mike’s favorite summers were spent fly fishing at his family’s cabin built in 1907 on the beautiful Rio Grande of Southern Colorado. He loved Jesus, the stars, the sky and the change in weather and now he will get to experience the serendipity and great joy of heaven! A celebration of his life, love and memories will be held on Sunday, October 12th at 4pm at Mike Gates’s Home. Services will be held by Dr. Walter “Chip” Prehn III and Dr. Steve Schorr. Honorary Pall Bearers are David Byrd, Don Corrick, Toby Curtis, Derrick Edmonds, Russ Hubbard, Ken Livingston, Chris Mullen, Nick Parsley, David Pittman, Tony Sam, Kevin Tittle and Bill Ward.Casual colorful clothing is encouraged.In lieu of flowers, Mike would be honored by a donation to the Creede, Colorado Community Fund (www.creederelief.org), Lone Star Sanctuary for Animals, or The Salvation Army."

Arrangements under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home, Midland, TX.