Harry Irving "H.I." Gates

Harry Irving "H.I." Gates, Professor Emeritus of Sculpture at George Washington University, Artist, and Devout Krishna Devotee, Passes at 89

Harry Irving Gates, known to many as "H.I.," passed away peacefully on September 5, 2024, at Mercy House in Chambersburg, PA, with his Hare Krishna brother Haridasa Dasa by his side. H.I. passed just minutes after learning of the birth of his third great-grandchild, Viana Mae Gudewich.

Born in Elgin, Illinois, H.I. grew up on his grandparent’s farm, where he developed a deep appreciation for creativity and craftsmanship. As a teenager he famously built a castle complete with a drawbridge and moat, a testament to his determination and ingenuity. H.I. attended the University of Illinois – Champaign Urbana, earning a Master of Fine Arts degree after serving as a deckhand in the Merchant Marines to fund his education. While in college, he joined Acacia Fraternity, making lifelong friends.

In 1964, H.I. began his distinguished career as a Professor of Sculpture at George Washington University in Washington, DC. Over his nearly 40-year tenure, H.I. left an indelible mark on the art world through his abstract sculptures, which are featured in esteemed collections, including the Chase Manhattan Bank in New York, the Corcoran Gallery in Washington, DC, Washington and Lee University in Virginia, and the Washington County Museum of Art. He retired as Professor Emeritus in 2002.

An avid collector and restorer of antiques, H.I. owned Gaslight Antiques in Frederick, MD, for many years. His love for art extended to the Frederick community, where he designed sets for the Frederick Ballet Company’s annual production of The Nutcracker. His own artwork, known for its fine craftsmanship and originality, often used assemblage techniques, particularly in his Japanese series, which preserved the heritage of finely crafted Japanese armor. In recent years, H.I. created the "Beach" series, using materials he collected from the shores of Hilton Head Island, SC, where he and his wife Ortrun spent winters.

In 2000, H.I. discovered the Hare Krishna movement, finding deep spiritual fulfillment. He was an active member of the temple in Potomac, MD, and regularly attended Gita Nagari in Port Royal, PA. His spiritual devotion was a core aspect of his later life, and his family honors his passing with the Hare Krishna chant: 

*Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare* 

*Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare*

H.I. and his beloved Ortrun, raised their family on Church Street in downtown Frederick, MD, before moving to historic Shippensburg, PA, in 2004. Their home became a gathering place for family, especially during Thanksgiving. The couple celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary in July 2024, marking a lifetime of love and shared memories.

H.I. is survived by his devoted wife, Ortrun, and their three children: Dr. Claire Gudewich and her husband, Vincent, of Washington, DC; Dr. Patricia De Angelis of Washington, DC; and Adrian Steffen Gates and his wife, Amber, of Clifton, VA. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Olivia Carney (Dane) of Manchester, England; Alexander Gudewich (Anavi) of Frederick, MD; William Gudewich (Kaina) of Gainesville, FL; Kristin De Angelis; Thomas De Angelis of Alexandria, VA; and Evie and Arlo Gates of Clifton, VA. His three great-grandchildren, Harrison Gudewich, Dominic Gudewich, and Viana Gudewich, brought him immense joy in his later years being their Opa.

H.I. was preceded in death by his parents, Verna (Lutz) and Harry Gates and his beloved Aunt Ramona Legler but is survived by his brother Forrest and sister-in-law Eileen Gates of Milltown, WI.

Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home and Crematorium, Inc. is handling H.I.’s cremation. No formal services are planned, and interment will be private. The family will gather in Savannah, GA, in December to celebrate his life and legacy on what would have been his 90th birthday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Mercy House in Chambersburg, PA, or Grane Home Health & Hospice of PA.

H.I.'s legacy as an artist, professor, and spiritual devotee will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, students, clients and the countless lives he touched through his art and teaching.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.fogelsanger-brickerfuneralhome.com.