Wayne Gates

Wayne Gates

1951 ~ 2021

Wayne Gates was born in American Fork, Utah on October 11, 1951 to Ray and Susan Gates. He had 3 siblings, Ray, Kaye and Sherrie. He graduated from American Fork High in 1969, where he was on the debate team and won many awards. He went to state in debate and graduated seminary. He then attended Utah Technical College where he was a straight A student.  

He married MaryLou April 30, 1972 and together they had Susie and HB, whom they adored.  They went on to have 7 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren with one more coming in March.  Susie and HB never lived far from Wayne and MaryLou, and they were a very close family.  They spent all their holidays and special occasions together.  Sadly, MaryLou and HB have passed, causing the bond between Wayne and Susie to grow stronger than ever.  

Wayne later met Lynn and they were married on October 11, 2019, bringing the family total to 5 kids, 19 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.  

Wayne worked at Geneva Steel, Backman’s Foundry, KOA, and Walmart, with several side jobs in between. He was a successful business manager with MaryLou for 27 years. He could do any kind of handyman service. His sincere honesty and dedicated work ethic were his most notable qualities, which must have been why Walmart awarded him employee of the month several times over.  

He enjoyed hunting, camping, fishing and all sports.  Most of all he loved time spent with his family.  He and Lynn enjoyed spectating at any sporting event, including watching all of them on TV.  BYU football was top entertainment!  

Anyone who knew Wayne felt tremendous love and respect for him.  He was known for his humor and always wanted everyone to be happy.  Hard work, compassion and laughter are words that will always be said while describing Wayne, but if you ask any of the kids, grandkids or great grandkids, they would use the word “fun.” They all loved him so much.  

He was preceded in death by his father Ray, his mother Susan, his sister Kaye, his wife MaryLou, his son HB, his son-in-law Kirt and best friend Hank Hollandrake.  He is survived by his wife Lynn, daughter Susie, Son-in-Law Tom, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and his beloved dog Sammy. 

Wayne successfully battled with Esophageal Cancer a few years ago, but later succumbed to a long battle with Covid-19 and Pneumonia on Sunday, December 19, 2021. Wayne was 70 years old.

A viewing will be held at Warenski Funeral Home, 1776 N 900 E American Fork, from 9:00- 9:45 am on Thursday December 23, 2021.  Due to Covid concerns, we ask you to please follow CDC Covid guidelines and bring a mask in attendance. The funeral service will be held from 10:00- 11:00, immediately following the viewing.  Respectively practice social distancing.  A gravesite dedication will be held at East Lawn Memorial Hills Cemetery in Provo, Utah with a bagpipe farewell. No covid expectations will be recommended outdoors.  Dress warm and let’s all wish Wayne a Merry Christmas in Heaven.