History
H. Gordon Gates Tribute

H. Gordon Gates, one of the geniuses of concrete, passes away

For over 60 years Gordon Gates was a part of the Gates & Sons, Inc. organization and he continued the tradition of creativity, excellence, and hard work that his father, Lee Gates, Sr. established before him. Gordon was a man of immense inventive energy and passion for solving problems for concrete contractors. His attachment to his mother and father’s company dates back to his youth. He often recalled that he was counting ties in the family’s basement “as soon as I could count to ten”. No doubt this early exposure to business formed a strong work ethic that not many could match.

During World War II, Gordon spent a year of his life deployed to the island of Iwo Jima, Japan (he was fortunate enough to serve side by side with his twin brother Bob) He had ideas of a career in the medical field when he returned home; however, at the urging of his father, he decided to go back to work in construction. Other than his service in the Army, Gordon spent his life’s work with the Gates family business.

Gordon’s efforts during the early years of the company were concentrated on the twisted wire tie his father had invented when Gordon and his siblings were small children. As a salesman, Gordon travelled the country and helped establish a customer base that understood the value of labor savings and quality forming products. Gordon’s experience as a carpenter in the field helped him associate with contractors and dealers alike. He espoused the view that Gates products should help the contractor “Work Smarter, Not Harder”. This was seen in one of his major inventions: the Cam Lock System, a single waler hand set system that put a new spin on snap tie style forming, employing the use of less lumber, fewer nails, quick attachment of scaffolding, loop-end ties and Cam Lock hardware that allowed for easier pre-loading of panels. Gordon’s system was a hit and remains one of the key items in Gates’ product line. The invention of Cam Lock spurred the creation of gang form systems that would bring about the idea of “No Loose Hardware” and self-spreading ties that was common to the #3, #5, #9, #24 Gang Forming Systems. Gordon’s creative imagination knew no bounds. He was a featured speaker at numerous World of Concrete shows. Over the years he was instrumental in the development of systems that addressed column forming, safe elevator shaft forming, stadium seating and stairs, gang forming modular panels (aluminum or steel frame panels). There are over 20 U.S. Patents in Gordon’s name. Gordon was ever appreciative of the fantastic staff around him that helped make his creations a reality and the many dedicated employees that made Gates & Sons such a great place to work.

Gordon was excited to see the company grow in the last 61 years; he took pride in ensuring employees had a safe clean work environment. He was also greatly humbled by the fact that the company was able to employ so many people over the years and that the company’s existence and growth was helping another person earn a living.

Through the years many would ask Gordon when he was going to retire. His reply, “and what would I do?” Like many of his generation, his work was his hobby and he enjoyed it like it was a vacation. Even when Gordon suffered a mild stroke in late 2005 he continued to come to the office on a regular basis (sometimes to “check up on things” but mostly to visit with friends and family who were working to carry on the business into the future). Gordon was dedicated to his work, he was fervently patriotic (he has given away many American flag pins over the years) and passionate about his family. Gordon died in his home in Denver, Colorado on Dec 20, 2009 at the age of 86. He will be missed by his precious wife Nida (married 67 years), his 3 children, 6 grand children, and 11 great grandchildren.

The impact he has made on this company (including the lives of so many who have been employed here) and the impact he has had on the industry will long be remembered.