Obituary of Patrick Thomas Gates

GATES, Captain Patrick Thomas Carne, MM, MNI, AFNI: Lewis Lake, March 26, 1944 – August 13, 2021. A genuine man of the seas. A rare gentle intelligent man of ideas, accomplishments, honesty and integrity … who loved to laugh, was gracious, generous and always cheerful, passed away peacefully in the arms of his cherished wife, Constance Lynn at home, after a long battle with heart disease, so sad for such a beautiful caring heart.

Youngest son of Reginald Carne Gates and Laura (nee Shelton). Predeceased by his first wife, Diane Drummond (Scott) Gates. Survived by his loving wife, Constance Lynn Hall Gates; sister, Veronica Oliver (Gates) (Rex); brother, Anthony Carne Gates (Anne); his worshipping heartbroken cat, Romeo along with numerous nephews and nieces. One of the greatest gifts he enjoyed in his last few years was the gift of family. His marriage to Lynn gave him three stepchildren who came to love him dearly as he did them. Stepdaughter, Lori Lee Robertson (Keith); stepsons, Ronald Scott Speed and Jonathan Derek Hounsell (Nicole).

Born in Dar Es Salaam Tanganyika, he enjoyed an early schooling in East Africa prior to travelling to London, England in 1957, where he furthered his education. He led an eventful life on the sea, visiting many corners of the globe, eventually becoming Master and commanded a number of vessels. Captain Patrick “Rick” Gates immigrated to Canada in 1978. Working days in Canada were spent both on board ship and in senior management positions with Irving Oil, Kentline and lastly The Atlantic Pilotage Authority. He continued his love of the sea, in particular, sailing his beloved Compass Rose on the Kennebecasis River with his best friend Brian Thorne. He retired in 2009 to start up a new company, Gates Marine Consulting Limited.

His name has recently been put forward to receive The Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Conduct. He married Lynn in July 2016, they lived a fairy tale life of love and laughter where they shared/garnered many new friends sprinkled in the precious old while travelling the world, enjoying a love of cooking, fine dining and conversation, all the time sharing these loves (and Patrick’s famous bread) with their many friends and family.

Some of Patrick’s accomplishments include: Captain of the Polar Duke assisting in rescuing survivors of the John Biscoe in 1985; Provincial Master of Master Mariners, Fundy Division; Master, Master Mariners of Canada, Maritime Division; National Master of Master Mariners of Canada; Associate Fellow of tThe Nautical Institute, London England and a member of the International Federation of Shipmasters IFSMA of London.

In lieu of flowers Patrick and Lynn would appreciate a donation to Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary to aid in the rescue, care and rehabilitation of monkeys burned on power lines in Costa Rica www.classy.org/give/216804/#!/donation/checkout. As per his wishes a Celebration of Life will be held on the dock he had built for his wedding to Lynn at 31 Ransomes Rd. Lewis Lake on August 22 from 4-6 pm.

Arrangements are under the care of J. Albert Walker Funeral Home (2005) Ltd.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the V.O.N, nurses and doctors of the Cardiology Dept. and Heart Function Dept. Halifax Infirmary, Bridging the Gap Home Care and to the Palliative Care Unit 7A at the V.G. Site.

For online streaming of the service cut and paste the following link. : https://www.mpagejones.com/photography-video