I met Dr. Oates only once in person. He came to Kokomo, Indiana, in the early 1980's to lead a clergy seminar on counseling.

Dr. Oates provided a pastoral warmth and clinical presence that was utterly charming...and very instructive. I was still in my first parish and came to the conclusion that whether I stayed in parish ministry or went into more clinically oriented service, I wanted to have something of his spirit.

I continue to use his book, Behind the Masks, in my pastoral diagnosis class here in Richmond (VIPCare)along with my own volume to instruct clergy on the art of perceiving how to deliver blessings to people even though they appear to be very difficult.

I shall miss Dr. Oates.