David Rex Gater, Jr. (August 9, 1960 – August 13, 2022)

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3)

David Rex Gater, Jr. (62) went home to be with the Lord Jesus on August 13, 2022. He was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana and went to Casa Grande Union High School in Arizona. David graduated from the University of Arizona with a B.S. (General Biology), and an M.S. (Exercise and Sports Sciences). After marrying the love of his life, Denise (Christensen) Gater, he overcame many obstacles to pursue his dream to serve in the medical field, earning a Ph.D. (Physiology) and M.D. (Medicine). David loved learning!

David lived life abundantly. With vibrant energy, David sought to live life to the fullest. His marriage to Denise of 38 years was an inspiration to many. Countless people benefited from their loving counsel and encouragement.

The spiritual, physical, intellectual, and emotional aspects of David’s life have impacted so many. Spiritually, he humbly depended on Jesus Christ as his Savior, he discipled others with faithfulness and intentionality in Young Life for many years. Personally empowered by God’s grace and love in his life, he inspired others to put their hope in God and to pursue their utmost potential.

Physically, David lived life at full throttle. Whether it was lifting weights with Denise, playing volleyball, biking, wrestling, pole vaulting, country swing dancing, hiking, frisbee golf, or playing euchre and charades, David gave his all and highly valued having fun. Other hobbies included playing guitar, drinking coffee and Diet Dr. Pepper, traveling, and eating out to experience multi-cultural cuisines.

Intellectually, David had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a desire to use it to help others. Some of his associates commented: “The Spinal Cord Injury and Disability world has lost a brilliant mind, a true influencer, and a kind and compassionate physician researcher.” “A world-renowned physician and researcher, Dr. Gater will be remembered as brilliant, innovative, kind, and compassionate. His influence will be carried forward by his colleagues, patients, and those he taught and mentored.” In addition to all his academic achievements, we will miss David’s uncanny ability to weave puns into almost any conversation. A thread of puns was always looming with Dave.

Emotionally, David will be remembered as a loving, playful, compassionate, humble friend. We will miss his ear-to-ear smile, his roaring laughter, his goofy jokes, his contagious enthusiasm, and his tireless visionary leadership.

Dr. Gater most recently served as Professor and Chair of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Chief Medical Officer of the Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center for The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at UHealth/Jackson Memorial Hospital. He was Chief of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service for UM Hospital and Clinics, Jackson Memorial Hospital, and the Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center; and Spinal Cord Injury Medicine Fellowship Director. Dr. Gater was co-Director of the National Institute on Disability Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) South Florida Spinal Cord Injury Model System.

As the President of the Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals, he was active in the American Spinal Injury Association, the Veterans Health Administration, VA System of Care, and the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Prior to his leadership role as Tenured Professor and Chair, PM&R, U Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, he was Tenured Professor & Rocco Ortenzio Chair, PM&R at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, and PM&R Residency Program Director. Prior to his role at Penn State, Dr. Gater was the Chief of Spinal Cord Injury Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University/MCV and SCI Chief, Hunter Holmes McGuire VAMC, Richmond, VA. He also served as Medical Director, Spinal Cord Injury Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.

David was preceded in death by his father, David Rex Gater, Sr., and mother, Mary Eileen (Harroff) Gater.

Survivors include his spouse Denise Gater of Miami, FL, two children, Brett (John) Hutchinson, Felicia (Mike) Kreider (grandson, Levi), sister Sharon (Scott) Holden of Sylva, NC, and brother, Steve (Laura) Gater of Columbia City, IN.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of David can take the form of contributions to these charities:

• Gater Aid Fund for Spinal Cord Injury Research and Education (University of Miami) – Details are forthcoming. This fund will help aid research and education for spinal cord injury patients. Please email Nataly Valdez at nvaldez@med.miami.edu.

• Disciple Makers: www.dm.org/ways-to-give (For the ministry of “Kreider, Mike & Felicia”)

• Young Life: www.giving.younglife.org (or checks can be mailed in memory of David Gater): Young Life, Attn: Tri-Valley Area #CA37, P.O. Box 520, Colorado Springs, CO 80901.

• Nexus International: (In memory of David Gater) Checks can be mailed to Nexus International, P.O. Box 3885 Centennial, CO 80161.

A celebration of David’s life is scheduled for September 3, 2022, at Hershey Free Church (330 Hilltop Road Hummelstown, PA 17036) from 1-4 pm. If a Livestream option is available, we will post that information on Facebook.

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