FIND AN OBITUARY
Service information is posted on our website only with approval from the family.
If you are seeking information not listed below, please contact us.
Michael Anton Cates
10/04/1947 — 12/02/2011
From Richand, WA, US | Born in Brigham City, UT
Michael Anton Cates
Michael Cates Obituary
Michael Anton Cates, born 10-4-1947 in Brigham City, Utah to William and Annabel Cates, returned home to his Heavenly Father on December 2, 2011. He was surrounded by his loving family and holding the hand of his forever love and best friend. After exemplary service in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear marine machinist, Michael was honorably discharged and returned home to Tacoma, WA. He then met and married Linda Chipman in April 1974 in the Cardston, Alberta temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The family settled in Port Orchard, WA, where he completed a journeyman machinist apprenticeship and then worked for Puget Sound Naval Shipyard until 1980. Michael and his growing family then moved to Buckeye, Arizona where he worked for Arizona Public Power. In 1985 he accepted employment with Energy Northwest and moved his family to their permanent home in Richland, WA. While working for Energy Northwest, Michael earned his Bachelor of Science in Applied Science and Technology in September 1995. He was also employed by Fluor Hanford and ended his career at Babcock Services/Fluor Hanford. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served faithfully in callings including serving as a bishop's councilor, stake high councilor, and ward executive secretary. He was a proud citizen of the Tri-Cities area for over 26 years. He is preceded into the arms of his Heavenly Father by his mother Annabel Ogg Cates Warnell, and his father William Anton Cates. He is survived by his wife Linda Chipman Cates, his children Liann Leroy Darby, Jason Michael Cates, Jeffri Cates, and Laci Thad Pospical, his stepfather Fred Jimmie Warnell, his siblings Kathy Mitchell, Billie Duke Needham, Richard Pati Cates, and George Susan Warnell. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren Brandon, Shantel, Annamarie, and Cassandra Darby; Devon and Kialee Pospical, as well as numerous other relatives and close friends. Michael influenced those around him in innumerable ways through his amazing sense of humor, his loving heart, profound faith and deep wisdom. His shining light will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Visitation will take place at Einan's Funeral Home on Thursday, November 8, 2011 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Michael's funeral service will be held at the LDS Chapel at 1321 Jadwin Avenue, Richland, WA at 1:00 pm on Friday, December 9, 2011with visitation prior to the service from 11:30am to 12:30pm. He will be laid to his well-deserved rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens immediately following the funeral service.
It was an honor and privilege to have known and worked with Mike at 100K. I can also attest to the good humor and charm that will be missed.
Mike was a special friend who will be deeply missed.
Mike’s one of a kind sense of humor kept us all laughing even in hard times. If you needed a smile or just to see a friendly face, all you had to do was go to Mike’s office. He always had a great story to tell.
Mike was more concerned with making us all feel better than his own feelings. His love for Linda and his family was obvious and he shared many sweet and humerous family moments with us at work.During this hard fought battle, Mike showed a grace and dignity that is a testament to his faith and is an example for all of us.
Rest now Mike, you so desrve it.
Growing up with a big brother like Mike was amazing. He was forever tormenting us with his antics but was also so dependable and so wonderful. We had so many adventures: making forts in the sand at the ocean, playing stick ball in the back yard, fighting over who got into the bathroom first. I will always remember Mike as my buddy, not just my brother. He has been and remains my hero.
condolances to mikes family. he was a good friend and coworker at energy northwest. j.l standley
Dear Linda and family:
Gayle and I were saddened today to learn of the passing of your beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother. Although we saw each other occasionally, Mike made a profound impression on us with his quick wit and ready smile. I never saw him greet anyone in any other way. He was a credit to his family, his church, his friends and his community. I recall that Mike was set apart as a High Counselor at the same time I was set apart as Stake Music Chairman years ago. He will definitely be missed! We will not be able to attend his services because of the separation of many, many miles, but our thoughts and prayers will definitely be with you. We send our love and profound sympathy to you all.
My condolences to the Cates family.
I had the honor of working with Mike in Arizona and at several facilities at Hanford. The last three years at work, Mike and I were in the cubicles next to each other. There is one thing about working with Mike, that sticks in my mind, is when he was on the telephone. I used to tease him about the way he waved his arms when he was on the telephone. He would have on his headset, pace around his cubicle, arms frantically waving while speaking on the phone. To me, it was hysterical, but that was just Michael.
Michael had a serious side too. You could tell Mike was a very proud family man, you could hear the love he had for his family, when he would speak daily of his wife Linda and his children.
I have missed Michael since the day he retired from work, due to his illness. To this day, I catch myself looking into his cubicle, to see if Michael is there, wanting to have a quick chat with him.
My thoughts and prayers for Michael and his family.
Linda and family,
I was so sorry to read about Michael’s passing. I know he was a really great guy. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Working with Mike made the day go faster and helped you to see a more cheerful side of the world. I will miss him. I will pray for the family in this time of sorrow.
Linda & Family
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Michael was one of the good guys who could always make you laugh. We have fond memories of when you both worked here at ENW. Remember the good times and they will help you through the hard times ahead. God Bless you and give you comfort during this difficult time.
To Linda and all the Cates Family:
We thank you all so much for sharing Mike with us for so many years in busy bishopric callings and high council Sundays away from you and many other uncountable hours of service to us and the community. For us, as with so many, he spread his love of life, his wit and humor, and his true love of people. Thank you for sharing him with us. We have missed him greatly being in another ward, so we can imagine just a little bit how much you all miss him and we extend our sincere sympathy to you. May God bless you with comfort and peace as you remember him. Love, the Rex family.
We are very sorry to hear of Mikes departure from this part of his journey, he was a blessing to all of the family,and will always hold a special place in our hearts. Love to all..Uncle Larry and Aunt Marce
With apologies to Kathy, Billie and George, Mike was my nearest relative. We shared a bedroom, clothes when Mike outgrew them, toys sometimes, and a significant portion of our lives. It is nearly impossible to imagine a life without Mike. He was an integral part of our family and we will always be grateful that he was a part of our lives. Rest in peace, big brother.
Cates Family,
What to say about such a wonderful man. He was a unique individual who was always very uplifting and always had a great joke to tell. We will miss him and the laughter/smiles he brought into our lives. He was truly a blessing from our Lord.
Linda and family,
May the love of Heavenly Father bless you with peace. Mike was an amazing person that had a way of touching the lives of others.
It is my hope you will feel the support and love of those around you as recover from the challenging
journey the past couple years.
Linda & family, may all your wonderful memories sustain you until you meet again. It’s comforting to know that this isn’t an end, but a new beginning!
Guestbook for
Michael Anton Cates