It is with profound sadness that the family of Garnet Foster Gates announce his passing on August 9, 2022, at Hospice House in Fredericton, N.B.
Garnet was born on February 10, 1949, in New Ross, N.S. He was the son of the late Foster and Beatrice (Rockwell) Gates.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sandra (Barton), daughter Stacey (Dan Pratt), Waasis, grand-children, Kira Bowie, Saint John, Tyler Bowie, Waasis and Chris Pratt, Waasis, sisters Charlotte (David), Perth-Andover, Kathy (Cyril), New Ross, N.S., Michelle (Blaine), Timberlea, N.S., sister-in-law, Debbie, Lincoln, N.B., and several nieces and nephews. Garnet was predeceased by this sister Hope Chickoski, brothers Colin Gates and Vaughn and Ronnie Russell, step-mum Joyce Gates and in-laws, Everett, and Louise Barton.
Garnet had a long and distinguished career with the Canadian Armed Forces. In his 42 years of service, his postings included Basic Training in Cornwallis, N.S. and active service in Shearwater, N.S., Gagetown, N.B. Borden, Ontario, Goose Bay, Labrador, Ottawa, Ontario and back to CFB Gagetown, where he retired in 2009.
He was an avid sportsman and sports fan. In his early years he was a softball pitcher for numerous teams and loved to play hockey, squash, racquetball, and ping pong. But his true passion was playing golf with his golf "buddies". Garnet also enjoyed fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, ATVing, snowshoeing, camping, and growing abundant vegetable and flower gardens. And he was a true Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan.
Garnet was especially proud of his family. He had a keen sense of humor and was the life of the party. There was never a dull moment when he was around, nor did you know what he might say. Garnet loved animals, especially his beloved dog, Maddy, who was by his side for 13 years.
His family would like to extend a heartfelt "thank you" to Dr. Sunita MacMullin, Dr. Samantha Gray, Dr. Peter Bettle, Oromocto Extra-Mural Services and Hospice House in Fredericton, for their professional and compassionate care.
Visitation will be on Saturday, August 13th from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Bishop’s Funeral Home in Fredericton. The Funeral service will take place at Bishops Funeral Home on Sunday, August 14th at 2:30 p.m. The family have requested that those attending the funeral service please wear a mask. For those who cannot attend, the Funeral Service, it will be livestreamed and can be accessed on the day of the service through the link on Garnet’s online obituary. A reception will follow the service.
For those who wish to make a memorial donation in memory of Garnet, the family have suggested the SPCA, Hospice House or a charity the donor’s choice. Online condolences and sharing of memories as well as the link for the livestream, may be accessed at www.bishopsfuneralhome.com