Dick was the smartest, hardest working, and nicest man I have ever known. I was privileged to practice with him for 31 years at Gynecology & Obstetrics and will always remember his unfailing good humor and limitless capacity for hard work. He was understandably loved by his office staff and patients, and we were happy to have him share his time with us when he wasn't bragging about his family.
Dotty and I will always cherish the many dinners we had with Dick and Maxine and miss him dearly.

We at Gynecology and Obstetrics are so sad about Dick's passing; we were hoping every day that he was loving his life as a retired physician and that his positive attitude and family shielded him from the reality of his illness.
I loved working with Dick every day at G&O. Not only was a he an awesome reproductive endocrinology resource, but he was a very wise and caring primary care practitioner, obstetrician, and surgeon. He was a true model for physician behavior with staff and patients in the office. He taught me and my partners so much about leading a group of very independent and self-reliant physicians in a way that valued "hand holding" and team building as best practices to get things done. He was always a positive force when conflict arose; and I feel that our Group has moved so far toward a positive place because of him.

Our staff and physicians are so sad to have him gone; we hope that his family can find peace knowing that Dick was a kind, gentle and wonderful human in addition to being a superb physician. I feel lucky to have had him in my life and I'll treasure his memory forever.

Frederick Rau, MD
For the Physicians and Staff of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Dear Maxine,
Dan and I extend our deepest sympathy to you and all Richard’s
dear ones upon your most profound loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Arlene and Dan Neiditz

I did not know Richard well, but my encounters at the bridge club with him showed how very sweet and caring a person he was. I was amazed at how fast he went from brand new novice to a really great player. He did in a few months what it took many of us years to become. I knew he had to be a brilliant man, but he was humble as well as kind. I send condolences to the whole family and offer only this. He will be missed by all who loved him and be remembered for having made the world a better place because he did so much good for the time he was here.

With profound sorrow, we are writing this note. We have been best of friends for almost 50 years and wish Maxine and the family our deepest sympathy and condolences at this sad time. May Dick’s memory be for a blessing among the mourners of Zion. Please note that our thoughts and prayers are with you. With all of our love, Ava and Dan Kordansky

So saddens by Dick passing, but he had his “last hurrah”
playing Bridge. We wish you, Maxine pleasant
memories & healing with time. Maude will keep you
company. Luv, Ellie & Ted

Dear Maxine and Family,
Bruce and I are so very saddened to learn of Richard's passing. We know there are no words to console you at this time. We hope that just knowing our thoughts are with you will help to comfort you. We are in Florida and so will be unable to attend his funeral.

I want to send the entire Kates family my condolences on the passing of Dr. Kates. He was a kind and special person who meant so much to those who knew him - he will be missed.

Jay

Dear Maxine and family,
Malcolm and I send condolences at this sad time.

I am greatly saddened by the news of Dr. Kates' passing. I was a patient for many years and thought the world of him. Please accept sincerest condolences as you mourn this wonderful soul.

Very sorry to see that Dr. Kates has passed. He was my gynecologist for many years. He was very caring and always spent the time without making you feel that you were on an assembly line. Always was willing to answer questions with detail.

My sympathies go out to his family.

Dick provided innovative and superb care to thousands of patients, was highly regarded by his colleagues, and has had a major impact on our hospital and general community. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed.

Dr. Kates was one of our most beloved mentors. He had an amazing talent for teaching in a collegial and respectful manner. We all strived to be like him and so his amazing legacy lives on in the way we care for our patients and the way we teach our residents. Everyone has commented on his kindness, intelligence and humility. He was a thoughtful contributor at our weekly Grand Rounds. He would often make a unique observation which changed the way we thought about things. Neville recently saw Dick in the hospital and when he told me, we both stopped and simultaneously said “What a nice man!”-that says it all! He impacted so many of us in the OBGYN world in so many ways. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr.Kates’ family. Thanks for sharing this wonderful man with all of us.

I was a patient of Dr. Kates since the late 70s. I thought he was the kindest man I have ever known and it is nice to read that so many others feel the same way. His expertise in his chosen specialty was so valuable to many of his patients. My condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.

Our deep sympathy is with Dr. Kates' family. We respected his kindness and concern as a long time patient and esteemed neighbor. Special wishes of comfort to Dr. Kates' wife Maxine. Fondly, Herbert and Lilo Werner

Steve, my family & I are so sorry to hear about your father's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Robin and both of your familys. Andrew, Meredith & Ryan Freed

Reading of Dr. Kates passing brought tears to my eyes. I was a patient of his and only because of him, I was able to have my son. Many years later I met him in the elevator at Hartford Hospital and thanked him profusely, but he was so humble about it all. It’s rare these days to find a physician whose compassion matches their medical expertise, so I want his family to know how truly special he was to me.