Rory S Cates Obituary (1956

On October 1st, 2014, with great sadness our beloved brother and son passed away unexpectedly. Rory enjoyed sports, participating in football, basketball, baseball, and track from PeeWees thru high school. Though he was never the star athlete, he was truly a team player. As a 1974 West High School graduate, he received the "Bill Hurney Inspirational Award," for spirit and sportsmanship. Rory was a private man, but one with a generous heart. In addition to giving to various charitable organizations to include the Catholic Church, he never forgot his nieces and nephews during the holidays and other special events in their lives. Of note, he also wrote thank you notes to his neighbor who gave Christmas gifts to the neighborhood children, despite having no children of his own. Having received both a Bachelors and a Masters in Business Administration, he went on to work for Boeing for the past 35 years. His professional profile was impressive, receiving accolades as a 'results oriented' materials buyer, program coordinator, contract administrator, and multiple other accomplishments too numerous to mention. He was so respected by his peers and superiors that he often traveled throughout the United States and abroad, using his expertise in strategic planning and financial analysis to negotiate domestic and foreign contracts. We learned more about Rory and his interests after his death, than we knew about him in life. In his free time, he participated in the Mountaineers Outdoor Club, taking part in hiking and bicycling activities. Throughout his life, he maintained his love of music, sports, and gardening. He loved his home, lawns and garden, which was evident thru obvious hard work and attention to detail. When working outside, his neighbors say he always gave a kind hello and a friendly wave. Rory was discovered in his home during a Boeing requested wellness check, after he uncharacteristically missed work. He died from a Colloid Cyst on his brain. The same type of cyst he was treated for in his early twenties. Rory leaves behind his mother, Jeanette Cates, brothers George Jr. (Johanna), Shawn (Sharon), sisters Mary Anne Alexander (Dave), Colleen Gorang (Rick) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his nephew, Kevin and his father, George Cates Sr. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the Virginia Mason Neurosurgeon Clinic, or the Boeing Employees Gift Match Fund. Rest in Peace Rory, You Will Be Missed.