Steve Gates Memorial Ribbon Cutting

[PonoBill]

I went to a nice ribbon-cutting ceremony at the memorial for Steve Gates last evening--a tastefully done piece of public art and architecture at Frog Beach in Hood River. It was pouring rain and I'd just got out of the river after a cold wingfoiling session. For some reason I decided my shorty spring wetsuit was appropriate for the three-hour session, so I was chilled to the bones. Diane came for the ceremony--she was going to walk, but when she saw how hard it was raining, she decided to drive. Good choice--we would have both been standing there wet, cold, and shaking. If I'd shot this picture it would be blurred. Fortunately, she was warm, dry, and steady.

Steve was such a great guy, we all miss him. A good-sized group gathered despite the rain--big fat drops pounding down. Then this happened.

[FRP]

Magical moment! Thanks for posting.

Bob

[burchas]

Knew him briefly. Generous kind man!

[Dusk Patrol]

Knew him briefly. Generous kind man!

I bought a paddle bag from Big Winds for a trip. The bag was delayed for some reason, and Steve mailed me one of his personal paddle bags to use for the trip... I met him later but at that time I was just a customer in need.

[PonoBill]

There are a million Steve Gates stories, and all of them are about what a good guy he was. Communities don't get a lot of people like that, even really special places like Hood River. I'm proud to call him my friend, as I'm sure everyone else who knew him even a little bit is. I never cry, but I sure got choked up and couldn't really talk to anyone. Just kind of sat there hunkered down in my jacket, freezing, shaking, and drinking the beer Johnny Davies gave me. I think he thought I needed one. He was right.