Brian R. Gates

Brian R. Gates, 66, of Casper, Wyoming passed away on Thursday, August 17, 2023 at Wyoming Medical Center in Casper.

On August 17, 2023 surrounded by his family at Banner Health hospital in Casper, Wyoming, Brian Robert Gates
departed this world to walk with his heavenly Father after struggling with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at the age of sixtysix.

Brian was born to the late Bob and Doris Gates at Riverside Community Hospital in Riverside, California on January 16,1957. Early in life he moved from Riverside to Fallbrook where he spent most of his childhood. He later moved to Carlsbad, California where he attended Carlsbad High School and took a few courses at Mira Costa and Palomar College.

While living in Oceanside, California and working as a grocery clerk at Ralph's Grocery Store, Brian met his future wife, Sarah Norcross. He often joked that he "checked her out." Brian and Sarah dated for a year and a half before their marriage on August 27, 1988. They were blessed with a daughter, Kaitlyn Allessandra, on January 20, 1990; and again, by a son, Adam Keith, on May 31, 1994. In 2000, the family moved to Casper, Wyoming, hometown of wife, Sarah.

From 2000 – 2018, Brian worked for Flying J truck stop. He most recently worked for Dooley Oil/ Shell gas station from 2020 until his passing. He loved his Dooley Oil work family and made friends with many customers. Brian found joy in playing harmless pranks on coworkers, friends, and family members. A playful and loving spirit, Brian got along with everybody - he never met a stranger. He was always one to share in cheesy humor, bad jokes, and puns. He enjoyed being silly and playing with his children when they were young. Brian was always a good sport when his daughter, Kaitlyn, let him win the "Pretty Pretty Princess" game. He taught his son, Adam, the finer points of barbecue grilling at a young age. Brian doted on his dogs, Tank, Rue, and Tessa and delighted in feeding and caring for them.

Brian's pride for his Swedish heritage showed in his interests in cars and music. An avid auto afficionado, Brian loved classic cars, especially Swedish imports. He also could identify obscure European automobiles; and he knew the year, make, model, and trivia about most vehicles. He often reminisced about his first car; a powder blue 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. He enjoyed music from his childhood: 50's malt shop music, the Beach Boys and other surf music, and more. He was a fanatic in his love for Swedish rock band, ABBA, and was very proud of his twelve-disc Gold Compilation of their music.

A fool for gag gifts, Brian loved crazy Halloween costumes; the more outlandish the better. He also had a wide and varied interest in movies, including campy comedies such as Mars Attacks! and Earth Girls are Easy. He also loved Rocky Horror Picture Show and Mamma Mia! He was also a collector of Felix the Cat memorabilia. Some of Brian's favorite activities were gardening, going for drives or to garage sales, and looking at Christmas lights with his wife and children. Brian loved Jesus and worshipping with his brothers and sisters in Christ at Shekinah Glory church where he was baptized in the Holy Spirit.

Brian was preceded in death by his mother, Doris; his brother, Mike; his father, Bob; and in-laws, Dan and Pat Norcross.

He is survived by his widow, Sarah Norcross-Gates; daughter, Kaitlyn Olsen (née Gates); son, Adam; and daughters, Andrea and Kimberly from a previous marriage. He is also survived by countless other nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends whose lives have been touched by him.

A celebration of Brian's life for family and friends will be held Saturday, August 26, 2023, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Mike Sedar Park in Casper, Wyoming.

A private burial for immediate family will be take place in Esterbrook, Wyoming on September 2, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Casper Humane Society are greatly appreciated.

Brian's family would like to give special thanks and acknowledgment to Newcomer Funeral Home for their invaluable guidance and utmost care through the process of saying goodbye.

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