July 10, 2008

RICHMOND, Va. Bob Gates, who volunteered at men's basketball games for 49 years, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 81.

Gates was a volunteer at Spider men's basketball games in six different decades, retiring as the official scorekeeper in 2003. His son, Steve Gates has been a member of the stats crew for 32 years.

Gates retired after 49 years of helping out at Richmond games, saying he wanted to be unique and not go for the full 50 years. He continued to attend games in the Robins Center through last season with honorary season tickets given to him as a tribute for his many years of service. Bob also spent 20 years volunteering at football games at UR Stadium for the Spiders.

Gates was also an avid bowler, becoming the first person to be inducted into both the Greater Richmond and Virginia State Bowling Hall of Fame.

Gates is survived by his wife Joan J. Gates; son, Steve Gates; daughters, Marylu Gates, Jane Carol Keim, Gini Gates; six grandchildren, Robert Gates, Will Keim, Laura Burnetter, Susan Darnell, David Keim and Caroline Keim; two great-grandchildren, Savannah and Dylan Darnell.

The family will receive friends Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at the West Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 11020 W. Broad St.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, July 11, at Derbyshire Baptist Church, 8800 Derbyshire Rd., with interment to follow in Greenwood Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Derbyshire Baptist Church.