Ronald J. GatesFairfax - Ronald James Gates, 73 passed away on Monday September 10, 2012 at Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans. He was born in Fairfax on August 15, 1939 son of the late Robert and Olive (Wright) Gates. Ronald married the former Beverly Sheltra on September 15, 1962 in Essex Jct., VT.
Ronnie graduated from Bellows Free Academy, Fairfax in 1959, and Johnson State College in 1963. He taught math and science for Essex Schools, and was Principal and boys basketball coach for Westford school for 7 years. He retired from teaching in 1994 from Albert D. Laughton School in Essex. He was an active member of the Vermont National Guard for over 32 years, he retired as a Major.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping and being outdoors, he loved watching his children and grandchildren play sports. He loved spending time on his land where he camped, cut wood, and hunted with family members.
He is survived by his loving wife Beverly Gates of Fairfax; his son Robert Gates and Michelle Bybee of Fairfax; three daughters: Dianne Allen of Hyde Park; Brenda Gates-Potter and husband Dean of Fletcher; Cheryl Veren of Fletcher; Six grandchildren: Jake Ainsworth, Joey Ainsworth, Cody Jones, Lyndsay Potter, Jud Veren, Karla Jones, great grandchild Maleiaha Ainsworth and his dog “Benji”.
He was also predeceased by his sister Laura Lou Gates.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday September 12, 2012 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm at A. W. Rich Funeral Home – Fairfax Chapel. A funeral service will be held on Thursday September 13, 2012 at 11:00 am at Northside Baptist Church, 1321 Fairfax Rd, St. Albans with the Pastor Bruce Patterson officiating. Burial will follow in the family lot in Binghamville Cemetery, Fletcher. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 55 Day Lane, Williston, VT 05495-1460 or Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 14, Fairfax, VT 05454. The family invites you to share your memories and online condolences by visiting
www.awrichfuneralhomes.com.
