Yakima Times

University of Washington issued the following announcement on Sept. 15. 

Though Bill Gates Sr., may have graduated from the University of Washington nearly 70 years ago, in many ways he never really left.

Gates was a standout Husky — 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.

“The entire University of Washington community mourns the loss of one of the great public servants of our day: William H. Gates, Sr. Bill was a cornerstone of the University of Washington and our community,” said UW President Ana Mari Cauce. “His influence has been immeasurable. Bill’s passion for education, generous public spirit, tremendous integrity and extraordinary civic mindedness has created a legacy here and around the world.”

The running theme of Gates’ life was civic engagement. A longtime attorney, Gates founded the Seattle law and lobbying firm Preston Gates & Ellis — 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 Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, advancing global health. There, Gates Sr. cemented his pledge to leave the world a better place.

“I personally witnessed his tireless commitment to social justice and health during an eye-opening trip we took together to Africa in 2002,” former U.S. President Jimmy Carter told Columns magazine in 2013. “I treasure his friendship. He reminds us all of our shared humanity and responsibility to each other.”

Watch a video remembrance here.

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 UW Board of Regents, he served on the UW 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.’s 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 “patriarch of the first family of the university.”

Of the Gates clan, former UW President Bill Gerberding said, “There may be no other university with a family of that importance.”

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 UW on the GI bill, earning an undergraduate degree in 1949 and a law degree in 1950. Today, the law school’s building carries his name.

At UW, Gates met Mary Maxwell, ’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 UW Regent Kristi Blake, ’75, and UW Regent Libby G. MacPhee; as well as eight grandchildren.

Original source can be found here.

Source: University of Washington