In Memory

Roger Eno Gates - Class Of 1961

Roger Eno Gates

Roger Gates

July 7, 1943 - July 7, 2021

Roger was born to Harold Gates and Mary Jane Eno Gates in South Pasadena. He grew up in southern California and graduated in June 1965 from the University of Redlands with a BA in Business Administration. He joined the US Naval Reserve in 1965. He served two years of active duty at US Naval Station, Long Beach, the US Naval Station, San Diego and aboard the USS Munsee (ATF 107) as the ship's Yeoman (ship's clerk). The sea-going tug sailed for Vung Tau, Vietnam for special missions in 1967. The veteran tug continued to operate in Southeast Asia until it was decommissioned, and Roger left his first tour of active duty.

Following his service overseas in the fall of 1968, he was ordered to return to his second tour of active naval service aboard the USS Cahokia (ATF 186) as the ship's yeoman where the fleet tug performed coastal towing, search and rescue missions and special radiological waste disposal and special transport missions throughout Southeast Asia and Vietnam. While serving in this role, Roger was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Star and a Joint Service Commendation. Following his discharge in June 1974, he was the Program Director of the Los Cerritos YMCA. He continued to work with youth as he used his administrative skills in a number of positions. He pursued a career with the County Clerks Department, County of Los Angeles, where he retired as a Judicial Assistant and Court Clerk for the California Superior Court. He settled in Pasadena. He was an active supporter and volunteer involved with the Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club where he reached the status of Emblem Member of the Hundred Peaks Section in July 1980. He continued to backpack and hike the trails and peaks of the west until his medical conditions prevented these activities.

Of other interest to Roger was the rescue and caring of abandoned animals, especially dogs. He volunteered and strongly supported the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA, where he fostered, adopted, and supported numerous dogs over the years. His most recent, Tom Terrific, a wired hair terrier was placed with friends just prior to Roger's passing.

Roger passed on his 78th birthday, comfortable in hospice care, from cancer. 

Cabot & Sons Funeral Home, July 2021