January 4, 1943 - March 4, 2018

Billy Victor Gates (Bill) passed away March 4, 2018 from metastatic prostate cancer. He was born January 4, 1943 in Pensacola, Florida, where his father, then his step-father were pilots in the Navy.

Bill's career was in information technology, and was IT Director for Longs Drug Stores headquartered in Walnut Creek, California for many years. After retiring and moving to Ashland in 2005 with his second wife, Hannah Brehmer, he devoted much of his time helping her create a pottery studio and gallery in their barn. He then set up a computer system for the Ashland Artisan Gallery (later the Ashland Art Center) and served as president of the board, as well as tending the front desk, accompanied by his beloved Golden Retriever, Emma.

He pursued his interest in blues music by joining the Ashland Blues Society and hosting a blues festival seven times on their property off Old Hwy 99, south of Ashland. He was an avid whitewater kayaker, and floated down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon seven times. He was also a certified scuba diver and a pilot of small airplanes.

He is survived by his wife, Hannah whom he married in 2005; daughter, Laura and her two sons, Luca and Kai; his son, Michael; Hannah's son, Dan and daughter, Marti with her three children, Owen, Claire, and Ella whom he loved as his own.