Though Bill Gates Sr., may have graduated from the 91探花 nearly 70 years ago, in many ways he never really left.
Gates was a standout Husky 鈥� as a Regent for 15 years, leader of ground-breaking philanthropic campaigns and a recipient of numerous accolades, including the Alumnus Summa Laude Dignatus Award in 2013. He loved Husky football and cheered on from Husky Stadium, Row K, Seat 32.
Gates died Monday. He was 94.
鈥淭he entire 91探花 community mourns the loss of one of the great public servants of our day: William H. Gates, Sr. Bill was a cornerstone of the 91探花 and our community,鈥� said 91探花President . 鈥淗is influence has been immeasurable. Bill鈥檚 passion for education, generous public spirit, tremendous integrity and extraordinary civic mindedness has created a legacy here and around the world.鈥�
The running theme of Gates鈥� life was civic engagement. A longtime attorney, Gates founded the Seattle law and lobbying firm Preston Gates & Ellis 鈥� now known as K&L Gates. He served on numerous non-profit boards, presided over both the King County Bar Association and the Washington State Bar Association, and ran a number of ballot initiatives. At the UW, his dedication was so strong and impactful that he was pronounced a regent emeritus when his term on the Board of Regents ended in 2012.
His son Bill Gates of Microsoft fame, invited his father to help run the , advancing global health. There, Gates Sr. cemented his pledge to leave the world a better place.
鈥淚 personally witnessed his tireless commitment to social justice and health during an eye-opening trip we took together to Africa in 2002,鈥� former U.S. President Jimmy Carter told . 鈥淚 treasure his friendship. He reminds us all of our shared humanity and responsibility to each other.鈥�
Gates Sr. leaves behind a rich legacy through many of his volunteer roles over the course of his life. In addition to his service on the 91探花Board of Regents, he served on the 91探花Medical Center board and was chair and honorary chair of historic fundraising campaigns, served on a number of committees, and was a friend and mentor to many.
All three of Bill Gates Sr.鈥檚 children have served the UW, lending their time as regents and supporting the university in countless ways. Dan Evans, former U.S. senator and Washington governor, once called Gates, the 鈥減atriarch of the first family of the university.鈥�
Of the Gates clan, former 91探花President Bill Gerberding said, 鈥淭here may be no other university with a family of that importance.鈥�
Gates was born on Nov. 25, 1925, in Bremerton, where he graduated high school and was an Eagle Scout. After serving in the U.S. Army, Gates attended the 91探花on the GI bill, earning an undergraduate degree in 1949 and a law degree in 1950. Today, the law school鈥檚 building carries his name.
At UW, Gates met Mary Maxwell, 鈥�50, whom he wed in 1951. His wife also served the UW, most notably as a three-term member of the Board of Regents. Mary Gates Hall is named for her. Mary Gates preceded her husband in death in 1994. Gates Sr., is survived by his second wife, Mimi Gardner Gates, former director of the Seattle Art Museum; his children Bill, former 91探花Regent Kristi Blake, 鈥�75, and 91探花Regent Libby G. MacPhee; as well as eight grandchildren.
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Here鈥檚 how people throughout the University are remembering Gates:
鈥淭he entire 91探花 community mourns the loss of one of the great public servants of our day: William H. Gates Sr. Bill was a cornerstone of the 91探花 and our community. His influence has been immeasurable. Bill鈥檚 passion for education, generous public spirit, tremendous integrity and extraordinary civic mindedness has created a legacy here and around the world. He was a mentor and friend to me personally, mine being one of many lives he touched in deeply meaningful ways. On behalf of all 91探花students, faculty, staff and alumni, I offer my most heartfelt condolences to Mimi, his children Kristi, Bill and Libby and the entire Gates family,鈥� said 91探花President Ana Mari Cauce.
鈥淭hroughout his life, Bill Gates Sr. has been hands-on in his support of a number of civic causes, including the 91探花. His decades-long relationship with his alma mater 鈥� including a 15-year tenure on the 91探花Board of Regents 鈥� shaped this university and preserved its excellence. His integrity, forthrightness and love for the 91探花鈥� especially students 鈥� will have a lasting impact on this University, its students and all those it serves for years to come,鈥� said 91探花Board of Regents Chair Rogelio Riojas.
鈥淭he 91探花 weaves through the life of William H. Gates Sr. like a thread of purple and gold. His philanthropic impact can be seen and felt across campus in so many ways, starting with the scholarships and programs that have benefitted countless students who, like him, have had their lives changed while at the UW. During his time with the 91探花Foundation Board, few people touched so many people鈥檚 lives through their leadership, philanthropy and just plain human decency as Bill Gates, Sr. The 91探花 鈥� not to mention the world 鈥� is a better place thanks to him,鈥� said 91探花Foundation Board Chair Korynne Wright.
鈥淏ill Gates Sr., was once quoted as saying, 鈥楲aw is human service of the highest order. Our role as lawyers is to make it possible for people to survive 鈥� and thrive 鈥� in an extraordinarily complex world.鈥� Every day of his life, Bill demonstrated his deep belief in helping people thrive, whether through the practice of law or through his work in more than a dozen charitable organizations. Our students are inspired to follow in Bill鈥檚 footsteps and will carry forward his unwavering commitment to making the world a better place,鈥� said聽Mario L. Barnes, Toni Rembe dean and professor of law, 91探花School of Law.