Dedicated to the Memory of Joshua I. Cates

Josh, aka "Cates", aka "Schweiss Bruder", first came into my life five and a half years ago, when I enrolled at MIT and took up residence in German House. Josh was several years my senior, but ever the free spirit, had taken leave to explore the startup scene in Boston. Later on, we lived under the same roof when he returned to finish his studies in Course 6 (Computer Science). Both of us maintained ties to German House after graduation, and to each other, while in graduate school. Before he took leave of his studies a few months ago, he and I walked across campus discussing career options and the future. Little did I know, but that would be the last time I would ever see him... Here's to his memory and all the experiences we shared.

Cates the travelor, taking vacation in Barcelona this past summer. He and Markus always told tales of their adventures in Europe. On this particular trip, he was accompanied by his sister Leah, and our housemate Matt. Cates the explorer, become interested in Arabic language and culture through Shihab. He took classes at Harvard and made a trip to Yemen, where he grew, or tried to grow a beard. We were all relieved when he avoided kidnappings and got back without getting himself killed. March 31, 1999. It's a German House tradition to celebrate house members' birthdays as a group. Here, Josh wields a knife and prepare to make the first cut.
Josh taking the first taste of the cake we made for him. Our annual christmas dinner party, a yearly occasion of fattening foods and bubbly apple cider. Of course, the most important tradition of christmas is the giving of secret santa gifts. Here's Josh playing with his monkey and loving it!
Prelude to a great battle on the snowy fields. After the free-for-all, everyone was happy and wet. Josh introducing everyone to Korean BBQ
Group outing to a Jazz club in Cambridge, Cherri, I believe 2000 Christmas Party 2000 group photo of German House members.
Josh the party animal, always a bad influence I believe this was right before me and Tet's first graduation, after having dinner with Chuck Vest, then MIT president Pre-graduation outing, 2002
Our trip to see the Revolutionary War re-enactment in Concord. We surrounded this poor guy after biking there on a cold rainy morning. The crew gathers for our annual Senior Party in 2002, to bid farewell to departing seniors. Josh was a great friend, brilliant researcher, and one whose warmth touched us deeply. Memories of Josh will be cherished by all who knew him, and I for one will always be thankful for the privilege of having known him. May he rest in peace.

These pictures are but a paltry reflection of the light Josh cast into the lives of those who knew him. If you knew Josh, and would like to contribute a picture of him to this site, please feel free to email me. Many thanks to Dan Hu for the use of his scanner, which made the posting of these pictures possible.