Father David Earl Cates

Asheville Father David Earl Cates, 80, passed away on Good Friday, April 10, 2009. A native of Atlanta, GA, Father Cates graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science; from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary with a Master of Theology; and from American University with a Doctor of Philosophy. He served as a Medical Service Corps Officer, Emergency Helicopter Pilot and Hospital Administrator from 1950-1957 with the US Air Force. Father Cates was ordained into the Ministry in 1967, and served as the Rector of St. Matthias Episcopal Church from 1983-1989. Other organizations include serving as the Executive Director of the United Cerebral Palsy Assn. of the Bay Area; Executive Director of the United Cerebral Palsy Assn. of Sacramento, CA; Executive Director of the Alaska Native Health Board; and Past President of Mountain Area Hospice. Left behind are many friends that will remember Father Cates as a loving, caring and giving man. Memorial services will be held at 6 PM Tuesday in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home, with Father Jim Abbott officiating. There will be a gathering of friends following the service.