Gates Family Fund in honor of Michael Gates

Greetings dear friends and colleagues,

I am writing on behalf of the Music Family at Pasadena City College to ask your support in creating a fund to aid the family of one of our own in their time of need and grieving.

Steve Gates and I were hired as full-time faculty at the very same time, many years ago. We did attended the new faculty seminar together and became great friends and Steve has been a trusted confidant, compatriot and co-conspirator since that time. Steve is a world-class educator and has been an essential part of the success of all of our music majors as they work through his rigorous Music Theory and Musicianship program. He is remarkably popular with our students and more than they even know he is a key to their success.

When we first met Steve shared that his son, Michael, was ill with brain stem ependymoma, an aggressive form of cancer. For 15 years Michael battled that cancer ferociously. Sadly he made his final transition this week.

In an astoundingly unfair twist, Steve’s wife, Colleen, is also battling serious cancer and is in the thick of treatments right now. It's unimaginable that this family is dealing with so much all at the same time and our hearts are broken for Steve, Colleen and for Michael's sister Amber as they grieve his loss while also caring for Colleen.

The family is surrounded by love and support and I trust that our employer, Pasadena City College, is supporting Steve in every way possible, but we want for the Gates' to be able to take the time they need to be together, to grieve and support Colleen and her treatments and recovery.

This fund is intended to give them some tangible support and give them some space to worry less about their finances as they manage the crushing expenses of ongoing healthcare, funeral arrangements and the need to heal and have time together rather than worrying about earning.

There will also be a separate appeal for PCC employees to donate their sick leave to Steve who has had to use his paid leave over time and should have the flexibility to use more in the future.

Anything you can add to this fund, even a small amount, will support the family and will send a message that they are loved, appreciated and that our community is coming together for them in their time of need.

With sincere gratitude,

Zac Matthews

PCC Music Department