David Dean Cates, 63

David Dean Cates was born May 3, 1961, and died Oct. 16, 2024. He grew up in Coeur d’Alene, where he worked with his parents, David and Pat Cates, at their 76 Service Station and Ace Hardware Store in North Spokane.

As a teen, he discovered motorcycles and began a lifelong love affair with his Harley. In 1986, he married Shelli Hood. After a five-year marriage, they were divorced, but they found each other 20 years later, married and shared 13 years of traveling the world.

Dave was an introspective man of God with a wealth of knowledge. He could build anything and fix it. He was a builder, a certified welder and a heavy equipment operator, but also a cosmetologist. He was a cook, gardener, painter and traveler who loved to fly his drone.

With his wife, Shelli, by his side, David Cates, 63, of Port Ludlow, Wash., lost his final battle with cancer to join the heavenly realm. He is survived by his parents, David H. and Pat P. Cates of Spokane; his sister, Debra A. Cates of Spokane; his wife, Shelli of Port Ludlow; and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held April 12, 2025, at 11 a.m., at North Addison Baptist Church in Spokane.