David Dean Cates

Cates, David Dean

May 3, 1961 - October 16, 2024

Born a fighter at 2 months premature, Dave was not expected to make it through the night, but once he was home with his parents, David and Pat Cates of Spokane, Washington, he thrived.

Dave had an idyllic childhood, playing outside with friends until the streetlights came on. In his youth he worked for his parents, first at their 76 stations and bulk plant and then again at their Hardware stores in North Spokane. As a teen, Dave found his first love - motorcycles. This was to become a lifelong love affair. For many years Dave was an avid Harley rider, and he cherished his Harley.

In the spring of '86, Dave married Shelli Hood in Hayden Lake, Idaho. They have a charming story. After a brief 5 years of marriage, Dave and Shelli divorced only to find each other 20 years later. They spent the most beautiful 13 years together, traveling the world until God called David home.

Neither Dave nor Shelli had children, but have so many nieces, nephews and friends they love as their own - as well as numerous great nieces and nephews they love like grandchildren.

Dave was a great introspective man of God with a wealth of knowledge. A true renaissance man. He was a most gifted man with the ability to build anything and fix anything as well. He could build a house from the ground up. He was a certified welder, a heavy equipment operator, but he could also cut and color your hair as a cosmetologist. Dave was a fabulous cook, gardener, painter, loved to travel and he also enjoyed flying his drone.

He was so gifted working with his hands that his career path eventually led him to become an elevator installer for many years and in later life became an elevator inspector.

There was not an animal Dave encountered that didn't love him. As a child, he brough home numerous "pets" including a raccoon and ferret. One day the ferret got loose in the laundry room and terrorized Pat, giving a fright she recalls to this day.
Dave loved his trusty sidekick Jet, his 17-year-old little black pug. Dave also adored his two adopted grand dogs, Rarold and Gunner. Rarold, the Frenchie, was Dave's constant companion as he battled terminal cancer.

With his wife Shelli by his side, David Dean Cates, 63 of Port Ludlow, Washington lost his final battle to join the heavenly realm.
David is survived by his father David H. Cates, 83, his mother Pat P. Cates, 82, his sister Debra A. Cates, 60, his wife Shelli K. Cates, 60, and numerous nieces, nephews as well as great nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life to be held in the spring at North Addison Baptist Church in Spokane, Washington.

Arrangements entrusted to The Stone Chapel Poulsbo Mortuary in Poulsbo, Washington.