David Dylan Cates

In the early morning of October 30, 2022, David Cates passed away peacefully in his sleep. David walked this earth as a kind, just, ethical, and generous human being, thanks to a devoted mother and his varied and rich life experiences.

David was born on August 15, 1963, to Elizabeth Ann (Libby) Cates in Knoxville, Tennessee. David’s maternal grandmother, Jane Cates, helped shape his early years. David’s maternal uncle, Royce Cates, who pre-deceased David, was a powerful presence in David’s life. Most of all, his mother, Libby, was the anchor across David’s six decades, encouraging his deeper spiritual practice and sharing his love of learning. In recent years she and David had resumed walking together regularly, traveling together (with Libby’s recently deceased husband Hugh Kelley), and experiencing life’s ups and downs as family uniquely does. David had two children, Truly Mei Cates and Venture Ko Cates, whom he adored. He was married to their mother, Misao Cates, for 25 years.

David’s life was filled with learning, travel, music, and dear friends. He was a life-long student of Buddhism and began transcendental meditation practice at 12. By 18, he was studying Tibetan Buddhism. He opened his studies to Zen Buddhism while living and teaching English in Japan. From there, he traveled to southern India where he continued his studies in Tibetan Buddhism from learned masters while living at Drepung Monastery. He furthered his studies with The Venerable Thich Nhat Hahn at his monastery in Plum Village, France, and with Pema Chodron at Gampo Abbey in Nova Scotia. In the U. S., David was a student of Geshe Lobsang since Geshe la arrived in the United States and he and his mother were active practitioners and students at Drepung Loseling Monastery in Atlanta. David had recently completed a certificate in Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT) with Geshe Lobsang’s program at Emory University.

David earned a BA in Sociology from Georgia State University. One of his mentors there around the critical issues of gender, race, and class, Dr. Paula Dressel, became a lifelong friend. David’s education enabled him to become a master teacher for 25 years. David connected deeply with and helped many students across grade levels. He specialized in social-emotional and differentiated learning at the Galloway School, the Howard School, and Eaton Academy among others. David had recently begun a new career direction, enrolling in GSU’s graduate social work program to focus on promoting racial equity. David’s plan was to blend his Cognitively-Based Compassion Training in the field of social work.

David was a life-long musician, a gifted and powerful songwriter, poet, guitar player, and singer, who could translate the beauty and suffering of life into music. He was in many bands dating back to the 80s, and was recently making new music with his best friend, Matthew Penn, as the band Ember and Ash. He found joy and release in performing and sharing his gifts with others.

Leslie Rech, his partner, will be forever changed by David’s presence in her life. She did not believe in soul mates until she met him. Together, they lived a life infused with beauty, humor, intellectual curiosity, joy, and grace.

David will be remembered for his moral courage, strength, generosity of spirit, kindness and ethical standards. He had a vast and variable sense of humor. He was a lover of all sentient beings and a dog whisperer. He was an artistic soul whose art spilled out with every move. Most of all, David loved deeply and was deeply loved. Safe journey, David, as you travel on.

A Buddhist prayer ceremony will be held in David’s honor. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Drepung Loseling Monastery at https://www.drepung.org/, or the charity of your choice.