On Thursday, May 29th, 2025, Gerald "Gerry" Reed Gates, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away at Modoc Medical Center from a brief battle with cancer at the age of 74.

Gerry was born on December 18th, 1950 in Van Nuys, California to Gerald Amos Gates and Jane Margaret Gates, three years after his sister Jeanne Gates. The family made their home in the San Fernando Valley, where Gerry was active in the chess club and once owned a pet iguana named Iggy. In sixth grade he read a book about archaeological sites left behind by Spanish explorers in the southeastern United States and found his passion.

After graduating from Reseda High School, he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in anthropology, with an emphasis in archaeology, at California State University, Northridge in 1973 and 1978. While pursuing his master's degree, he met his future wife, Nancy North-Gates, at a poker game held by students in the archaeology department. The couple married on November 22nd, 1975.

After working several summers in Arizona, Gerry was hired in 1976 as a seasonal archaeologist for the Big Valley Ranger District on the Modoc National Forest. During this time, he and Nancy lived in a cabin near Adin. The following summer they moved to Alturas when Gerry accepted the position of Forest Archaeologist for the Modoc National Forest, which he held until retiring in October of 2015. The couple were charter members of the Modoc County Historical Society, where Gerry served on the Board of Directors for many years, including as president in 1980 and 1981.

They welcomed their first child, Katherine "Katie" Elizabeth Gates on December 1st, 1981. Sadly, Katie passed away just a few months later from a congenital heart defect. In the wake of her death, the couple founded the Alturas chapter of the grief support group Compassionate Friends. After fostering several children, the couple welcomed their second child, Joseph Michael Gates on February 22nd, 1985. A year later they welcomed another daughter, Marya Elizabeth Gates on June 30th, 1986.

During his tenure at the Forest Service, Gerry authored and co-authored many scientific papers and served as an advisor for several Ph.D. dissertations. He was particularly proud of his work with Passport In Time, a volunteer program that allowed the public to contribute to heritage research and preservation on national forests. For many years he hosted an open house during California Archaeology Month and manned a popular booth at the Alturas Children's Fair where attendees learned about indigenous basket art and were given their own clay pots to decorate. He was also an active member of the Society for California Archaeology for nearly fifty years.

Along with archaeology, Gerry had a passion for performing arts and was active as a performer and director for Modoc Performing Arts Theater. For several years he offered DJ services under the Aging Hippie moniker. After his retirement in 2015, he opened Gates Gallery and Trading Post on Main Street in Alturas, where he sold antiques, craft supplies, and works from local artisans. He also briefly operated a pet portrait business in his distinctive stippling pen and ink style. A massive animal lover, over the years he was the owner of many cats, several dogs, and even a couple of frogs.

Until its closure, he was a member of the bowling league, and in his final years, Gerry could often be found sitting in front of his shop on Main Street or at the Desert Rose Casino, where he loved to play video slots. He will be remembered for his sly wit and his big heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents Gerald Amos Gates and Jane Margaret Gates and his daughter Katherine “Katie” Elizabeth Gates. He is survived by his wife Nancy North-Gates, his sister Jeanne Gates, his great aunt Zay Sperling-Bishop, his children Joseph Michael Gates and Marya Elizabeth Gates, and his grandson Liam Tiberius Gates.

A memorial service will be held on June 14th, 2025 at St. Michael's Episcopal Church at 10am, followed by a graveside burial, and then a reception back at the church. Flowers may be sent to 310 W North St Alturas, CA 96101.

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