Gregory Dean Yates
Rancho Mirage – Gregory Dean Yates, DDS, Age 57, of Rancho Mirage, passed away on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 surrounded by his family.
Gregory leaves his mom and dad, Maili and Jim Yates; his brother, Tom Yates; his brother, James Yates and wife Jeanette; his brother, Joey Rouse and wife Danielle; his sister, Debbie Ashmore and husband Jim; his nieces and nephews: Bonni, Thomas, David, James, Melissa, Kyler, Emma, Eva, Logan, Bowyn, Brooke and Mason. In addition, he leaves countless relatives, friends and patients.
Greg was born in Columbus, Georgia and raised in the Almaden Valley of San Jose, CA. He graduated from Leland High School in 1979. In the fall of that year, Greg attended FIDM in San Francisco. During this time, he was honing his design skills while working at The Porch in Los Gatos. He then transferred to Pacific Union College in Napa Valley where he studied until he transferred to San Jose State University. Greg majored in architectural design but took many science courses that lead to his early acceptance to the University of the Pacific Dental School in San Francisco. He graduated from dental school in 1993.
In 1994, Greg relocated to Rancho Mirage when he opened his dental practice in Palm Springs, which eventually relocated to Palm Desert where he practiced until the last year of his life. Dentistry was one of his passions. He loved his patients and considered them family. He was honored by being voted One of the Top Dentists in the Desert for several years as well as receiving the Patients’ Choice Award in 2014.
A few of Greg’s favorite things were: art, food, nature, the beach, Idyllwild, and animals. Whenever he could, he would sneak away to Idyllwild to relax and enjoy his favorite place. Greg dedicated his life to his work, his family, and the Lord.
His lord said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” Matthew 25:21-23 (NKJV)
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on March 26, 2018 at the Palm Desert Oasis Adventist Church at 4 p.m. The family is asking that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to Kindred Hospice Foundation (www.kindredhospicefoundation.org), in honor of Gregory Dean Yates.
Published by The Desert Sun on Mar. 22, 2018.
