Dr. Richard H. Keates leaves us with memories of a true gentlemen of great warmth, encouraging spirit and enormous scientific curiosity. A few thoughts to express our huge sense of loss and offer sincere condolences to his dedicated family.

Dick Keates was my mentor, the single person to bring me into the world of ophthalmology. Over the past two decades he was a director of my company three different times, a medical director two times, an investor, consultant and advisor but most of all a dear friend.

Dick had the most childlike curiosity and generosity of spirit. He shared himself openly. He loved to teach. He had a magical way of encouraging people. He would offer congratulations for achievement but challenge you at the same time to look for the next great thing- and do it with a wonderful humble and curious way:

“Imagine if we could do this?” or “You never know where this will lead”

His friendship made a difference in many lives and I know his positive life spirit will live within all those he touched.

Thank you Mary, the Gutin and Keates kids, Celeste, Ed and Dicks wonderful extended family for your generosity in sharing him with the ophthalmology world.

—Randy Frey

Some thoughts from others who miss him:

"No one, and I mean no one in the field of ophthalmology exuded the humility and equipoise that he did. A wonderful man, and we will miss him."
—Skip Nichamin

"When he was with you, he was always so present and in the moment, never distracted, always fully focused."
—Shirley McGarvey

"We are saddened to learn about the passing of Professor Keates. The staff of Asian Eye were glad to have met, even if briefly, this sprightly, visionary, encouraging gentleman. He will be missed in this corner of the world."
—Harvey Uy and the AEI team Manila

"Dick was also a pioneer in presbyopic IOLs and introduced the first multifocal IOL to receive an IDE from the FDA, the Precision Cosmet (later the IOLAB) center surround two zone lens. I always found Dick to be fun and full of life."
— Bruce Wallace

"I am very sorry to hear this shocking news. He was well respected by all in our profession."
— David F. Chang

"He was most certainly a gentleman’s gentleman—just a total sweetheart. :("
— Adriana Linares

"I am so sad. I admired Dick. He was a friend, a valued colleague and a source of inspiration. He was a special person. I will miss him."
—Bill Fishkind

"He was a wonderful guy."
— Ron Goldrich

"I am really saddened to hear this, I have always truly enjoyed my relationship with Dick. We have all lost a very good friend, mentor, "mensch" and fun guy. I had lunch with Dick in SF during ASCRS. I will always cherish that special time together.
My heart is heavy but my memories are very sweet."
—Larry Haimovitch

"He was one of the really good ones."
— Gary Gray

"I always found him to be a real pleasure to meet, so much so that he was one of the people you looked forward to seeing at an exhibition or meeting. I always left him aware of his warmth and tolerance for those not as smart as himself (myself and most of the rest of the world I suspect)."
—Simon Gordon

"I remember him as being a kind and generous person with a big laugh."
— Christine Oliver

"He encouraged us every step of the way. For eighteen years he mentored us, individually and collectively, and provided valuable guidance for our medical, business and technical decisions. Sharp mind, great sense of humor, Dick is irreplaceable and is already sorely missed.”
— Neil Zepkin

"A very sad day indeed. He was a good man."
— Jer Kuszak

“Having heard about the legendary Dick for years from my Chinese colleagues, I finally met him at a NY Refractive Club meeting. I found him to be a gentle and humble man, wonderfully encouraging. He was so excited about our work in ophthalmology back in China. Dick was a consummate teacher and a gentleman.”
— Ming Wang

“He was My mentor during residency and a good friend throughout. His knowledge was encyclopedic and his curiosity insatiable. Above all, he was humble and willing to share knowledge and for that he will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.”
—Ezra Maguen

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		LensAR Board of Directors 2004: Dr. Dick Keates, Randy Frey, Art Herbert, Dr. Ray Myers.
		Autonomous Board of Directors 1993: Dick Downes, Art Herbert, Randy Frey, Dick Keates, Stan Ruffet.
		Barraquer Lecture Celebration Dinner for Marguerite McDonald 1993: Neil Zepkin, Marguerite, Dick, Randy.
		Barraquer Lecture Celebration Dinner for Marguerite McDonald 1993: Left: Randy, Dick Right:Professor José Ignacio Barraquer and Randy