Gates Nichols - Confederate Railroad passes

Ron Fitzgerald · Post by **Ron Fitzgerald** » 14 Aug 2009 8:43 am

Sad to say my musical brother of 42 years and fellow steeler Gates Nichols passed at 12:15 AM today. He was a great musician,friend,husband and Dad. Please pray for his family. Thank you. Ron Fitzgerald

Dan Galysh · Post by **Dan Galysh** » 14 Aug 2009 8:53 am

I was on some shows with Gates in the past. Sorry to hear of this. Condolences to the family.

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 14 Aug 2009 2:15 pm

I didn't know Gates, but I met him when our band opened for CF touring our area. He had time to autograph my hat, visit with me some and show me his new LGIII. I enjoyed meeting him and his performance. Condolences to the family and close friends.

Stephen Gregory · Post by **Stephen Gregory** » 14 Aug 2009 2:38 pm

Our condolences. http://www.paulding.com/forum/index.php ... pic=219001

Jack Strayhorn · Post by **Jack Strayhorn** » 14 Aug 2009 3:23 pm

I became friends with Gates when the band first got their record deal. He was most fun and interesting to be around. From a business standpoint, he was most loyal and trustworthy. He truly believed in the Emmons products and wanted to do what ever he could to help promote them, and didn't expect compensation. To say the least, I am shocked and very saddened by his passing. RIP

Bill Hatcher · Post by **Bill Hatcher** » 15 Aug 2009 8:20 am

Very sorry to hear this. I knew he was very ill without a good chance, but still it is very sad to hear. I worked some recording sessions with him and he was a good musician.

Donna Dodd · Post by **Donna Dodd** » 16 Aug 2009 4:56 am

You can read more about Gates, his life, his sudden diagnosis, and more - as written by his wife, Bev Nichols at the following link . . .
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bass_man_g

Bev's strength through her husband's final days is quite moving.

Ron Fitzgerald · Post by **Ron Fitzgerald** » 16 Aug 2009 6:12 am

Donna , thank you so much for posting the caringbridge link that I should have. Ron

Bruce Etter · Post by **Bruce Etter** » 17 Aug 2009 5:27 pm

It's so sad to hear of Gates' passing. I met Gates at the Mississippi Valley Fair in Davenport, Iowa back when CRR got their first record deal. I was just starting out on pedal steel, and Gates was the very first professional steel player that I had ever had a chance to meet. He was very kind and genuinely took time to "talk steel" with me. I remember asking him what brand of strings that he recommended and he told me that he used Emmmons brand strings. We talked a little more and he excused himself for a minute and went to the bus. He returned with a set of E-9th strings and a set of C-6th strings and he told me to try them. Being a newbie, I was blown away by his generosity. He even gave me Emmons' phone number and whom to speak to if I needed anything. I will never forget his kindness and the motivation that he gave me to learn the pedal steel guitar. Rest in peace Gates, you will be missed.

Tommy Shown · Post by **Tommy Shown** » 21 Aug 2009 10:43 pm

It's sad, but people like that are rare these days. What I mean is a lot of people seem to have forgotten what's important in life, from what I gather,Gates didn't. There's definitely a place in Heaven for him.
Tommy Shown