GATES, ELMER PATRICK, age 90, of Hudson, OH, died February 12, 2026. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Dorothy "Buzzie" Parker Gates. He is survived by his daughter Lisa Parker Gates and her partner, Ruth Narrod, his daughter, Linda Parker Gates and her husband, Stephan Greene, his grandchildren Sabrina Parker Greene, Owen Gates Greene, William Gates, and John Gates, his sister, Gloria Gates Armstrong, his nephew Patrick Armstrong (Krystin), his great-nieces Ella, Harper, and Sydney Armstrong, his partner, Sandy Capone, extended family, and many friends.

Elmer was a family man at heart and was always the life of the party. He was loud and proud of his education and that of his family, as well as his service in the Marine Corps and his career in finance at Eaton Corporation. He was a lifelong Ohio University Bobcat, having met Buzzie at OU while working in the dining hall and inviting her to watch his hockey games. He famously played on the first OU hockey team, now a top-tier program. His tall tales, booming laugh, and ease with everyone he met will be missed.

Cheers to Elmer!

Details about a memorial service are forthcoming.

Donations can be made in his honor at https://www.ohiobobcathockey.com/about/support