Obituary of Kenneth Gates

62, Central West River, passed away Friday, November 30, 2007 as the result of a tragic accident. Born in New Ross, he was a son of the late Ray Norwood and Helena Constance (Kaulback) Gates. He was a member of New Ross Baptist Church, New Ross and a very active adherent of Salem Presbyterian Church, Greenhill, where he was a member of the Board of Managers. He began working with Scott Paper Company in 1965 as an Assistant Surveyor, Woodlands Department, retiring from Kimberly-Clark in 2000 after 34.5 years of service. Ken was involved in many aspects of the department besides surveying, including forest inventory, photo interpretation, mapping and the herbicide program. Following retirement, Ken continued to be involved with the Woodlands Department, working on special projects involving photo interpretation, mapping and with seedling delivery for the Woodland Nursery. Ken possessed a strong work ethic, which was evident in the manner he approached each task. He enjoyed his work and the friendships that he developed throughout his life. He was always ready to give a helping hand no matter what the task. He enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, cooking, doing crossword puzzles, cryptoquote, watching Jepordy and nature programs. Since 1977, he greatly enjoyed his annual or semi-annual visits to northern Labrador with his friends. Ken was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. Surviving are his wife of 21 years, L. Jean "Jeannie" (Simpson) Gates; step-son, Robert "Robbie" (Ginger) Ross, Stellarton; sisters, Mona (Barry) Lenihan, Linda (Peter) Meister, New Ross; brothers, Theodore (Lesley), Robert (Sherry), Sterling (Colette), Eugene, New Ross; several nieces, nephews; mother-in-law, Dorothy Simpson, Calgary, Alta.; sisters-in-law, Lynn Boone (Frank), Lunenburg; Sherry Syed (Jay), Calgary; brothers-in-law, Kevin "Joe" Simpson, Piedmont; Lee (Jeanie) Simpson, New Glasgow. He was predeceased by nephew, Justin Gates; paternal grandparents, Norwood Jesse and Flora Hunt (Shankel) Gates; maternal grandparents, Freeman David and Lousia Rose (Oickle) Kaulback; father-in-law, Lee B. Simpson. The family will receive visitors 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Tuesday in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, New Glasgow and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday in H. C. Lindsay Funeral Home, 38 Fortes Road, New Ross. Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday in New Ross Baptist Church with Pastor David Hine, officiating, assisted by Rev. Barb Fotheringham. Interment will be in New Ross Baptist Cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations may be made in Ken's memory to New Ross Baptist Cemetery, New Ross Fire Department, Pictou County Food Bank or Salem Presbyterian Church. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.hclindsayfuneralhome.ca