In Memoriam

I had the honor of teaching Taylor Gates in College.

He wsa straight-A's, and a smile that couldn't be beat.

He was the nicest and most capable of my 2500 students.

Captain Gates was my roommate and dear friend at Daniel Webster College in Nashua, New Hampshire. There was no one more dedicated to serve his country as a fighter pilot and officer than Captain Gates. He was my mentor and I admired him as the older brother that I never had. He is in my thoughts every time I see a fighter jet and he flew into heaven doing what he loved. No doubt he is still smiling with the "afterburner on" in a vertical climb. We miss you my friend! Fly on!

Thank you so much for those who left these comments. It is nice to think that my husband is still remembered by someone other than myself. Taylor was my best friend, a wonderful person and an very caring husband. I miss you so much!

What a good dude!

Becky - Teflon will always be remembered. Remembered by all his 422 TES Bro's and all his fellow Weapons School Grads. It was an honor to have been part of the 422 and to call him a friend.

God Bless

Seventeen years later, and still remembered dearly. Finest pilot, best friend, finest person I've ever met, and often in my thoughts and prayers. Taylor is the symbol of the American Fighting Man that I have taught my children to value and respect, and the tear in my eye at every memorial day event. Check 6

I too remember Taylor from my days at Daniel Webster College. The College, and the alumni who knew him, are proud to call him one of ours. A student and a man we all looked up to. I don't know what his upbringing was but I wish I had some of it growing up. Why is it that the best often depart this place so soon? He has wings now that we can't begin to imagine. See you again, my friend - tallyho!

Only recently knew from Thunderbirds leader that Taylor is no longer with us.I am very sad but our HOT STICK will allways be in our hearts. As a foreign student in Columbus AFB UPT, i was very honored to have Taylor as a classmate. 6 Outstanding check rides with only a couple of downgrades , identify his real performance and capacity.He was so sure and proud of his F-16 assignment.Thanks Taylor for your flying tips.

Teflon and I were at the "Kun" together in 1986. I was there when he got his callsign for putting the maintenance book on the top of the intake of his F-16 and forgetting about it until he cranked the motor and trtashed his engine. Taylor was the best Lt I ever flew with and the Sq CC respected him so much that he let this Lt completely run the scheduling shop by himself. Truly remarkable. He has and will be missed by all who came in contact with him.

I am apalled I stumbled across Cap. Gates name.

89-2059 was his F-16. Night time sortie a LOLA (live ordance loading area). Waiting for Cap. Gates to land. Were told to secure all toll boxes and equipment that were used on 2059. Bad feeling

God Bless

Great memories of a classmate in UPT that was just a wonderful person to fly with, sim with, and just to study/hang around with. His amazing performance was simply a "hint" of the talents he held...

Just a superb pilot, person, and friend.