Contributions to the tribute of Willard Cates

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The family of Willard Cates uploaded a photo

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

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The family of Willard Cates uploaded a photo

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

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The family of Willard Cates uploaded a photo

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

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Teresa Newton posted a condolence

Sunday, October 16, 2016

I am so sorry to hear about Ward. He was a friend in the sixties in Cambridge and we went to See Bob Dylan in his first concert at The Albert Hall he was well loved by many friends in Cambridge, England

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George Rubin posted a condolence

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

George Rubin is following this tribute.

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George Rubin posted a condolence

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Ward Cates was the first person at CDC to welcome me when I turned up with backpack and tattered jeans to visit my Aussi mate Julian Gold who had recently been accepted into the EIS Program of 1978. I was immediately struck by his enthusiasm, his brilliance, his extreme optimism, and the charisma which radiated from him - I had never met anyone quite like this in my life before. Coming from a clinical background with no public health experience or understanding at all, I was floored when Ward said to me "you want a project?". This was at a time when the national abortion scene was violent and when Congress had enacted the Hyde amendment restricting funds for indigent women to have legal induced abortions. He supported and mentored me to conduct a project to determine the response of indigent women with unwanted pregnancies. This was a turning point in my life -- the door opening to a career in public health through a direct personal experience. For the next eight years Ward was friend, mentor and source of inspiration to me as we worked at CDC. Just some two years ago Ward passed through Sydney and my friend Julian and I were able to share experiences and stories with him and relive those same feelings of admiration and respect for such a great man. R.I.P. Ward, To Joan and family please accept my sincerest condolences. George Rubin

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Dan Davis posted a condolence

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Ward and I worked together for 2 years at the 130th General Hospital in Nurnberg, Germany. What fond couples memories of skiing, sharing stories, travels during our time there with the US Army Medical Corps. I believe he did some of his MPH research with my dad, C D Davis in Ob-Gyn, while at Yale. I have followed his career and we have crossed paths at Microbicide, Contraceptive, and Women's Reproductive Health meetings over the years. I will dearly miss him! My condolences to Joan and the rest of the family. And I will of course be one of his surrogates cheering for the Duke Blue Devils!!,

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Gregory Beck posted a condolence

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Shortly after arriving to FHI360 in 2014 Ward called me to provide both wise counsel on my new position and most especially to extend a warm welcome to the organization. And, i quickly learned that this represented the way Ward engaged with individuals, teams and partners throughout this professional life. He not only had one of the sharpest minds in the profession that he applied with passion to the field of reproductive health and addressing the larger human development challenges, he was above all else one of the kindest and most warm-hearted leaders I have ever known. He was always quick with a smile, a supportive word, challenging thoughts, and good humor. He was the model for all leaders; visionary, focused, positive, open hearted, and cared deeply about each and every person who worked at FHI360. Ward will be deeply missed but his legacy will live on forever within the organization and through all that he connected with during his rich and amazing life. -Gregory Beck

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Kathy Mincey posted a condolence

Friday, March 18, 2016

I have worked with Ward at FHI (now FHI 360) since June of 1997. Ward had the most infectious, positive personality; you could hear his booming voice whenever he was on your floor. He remembered EVERYONE--never forgot a name that I know of--and was unfailingly enthusiastic about his work in the field of HIV/AIDS and family planning. He was exceedingly kind and treated everyone equally, whether you were a Director or an administrative assistant. My favorite years of working at FHI were the ones when Ward was President. He set such a warm, open tone. I will miss Ward, and would like to send my sincere condolences and prayers to his family. Thank you for sharing Ward with us, Kathy Mincey (Kath in Ward-speak)

Willard Cates

1942 - 2016

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