In Memoriam: Gordon Oates Jr.

Gordon Oates Jr., a second-generation member of the foodservice equipment industry, died Dec. 5 at age 62, following an illness. He was 62 years old.

The Kentucky native spent his first decade in business working for IBM in Louisville, then joined his father, Gordon Sr., in the foodservice equipment industry. Over his long management career, he rose to leadership positions with a number of E&S manufacturers, including Vulcan-Hart Corp./Premark Int’l.; Garland Commercial Industries/Welbilt Corp.; Blodgett Oven Co.; APW/Wyott Foodservice Equipment Co; and Enodis Corp. In 2006, he retired as a partner with Dallas-based E-Source Inc.

“Gordon was not just liked by nearly everyone in this business, he was loved,” said FER Publisher Robin Ashton, on learning of his passing.

Oates is survived by his wife, Valerie, and daughters Sarah and Victoria. While immediate services have been held, a memorial service is planned for Dallas (date to be announced later). Memorial gifts may be made to the Gordon F. Oates, Jr. Scholarship at Ursuline Academy of Dallas, 4900 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, TX 75229 or to the National Kidney Foundation.