Jerrol A. “Jerry” GatesJeffersonville, VT. / Royal Palm Beach, FL.
Jerrol Abner “Jerry” Gates, 69, passed away suddenly on March 16, 2010 at his winter home in Royal Palm Beach, Florida.
Jerry was born in Burlington, Vt., on March 6, 1941, to Eunice (Bell) Gates and the late Jonathan E. Gates. After graduating from Cambridge High School in 1959, he spent two years in the navy . He was stationed at Patuxent Naval Air Station and served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. He was honorably discharged in 1961, and went on to attend Paul Smiths College in New York. He graduated in 1963 with an associates' degree in Forestry after which he returned to Jeffersonville to join his father and grandfather in running the family business, Bell-Gates Lumber.
Jerry married the former Deborah Jo North on August 17, 1974, in Stowe, Vt.
Jerry lived his entire life as a resident of Jeffersonville and loved the mountains, Lake Champlain, the change of seasons, and especially the view from his back yard. Over the years, he made the most of all the activities Vermont has to offer, including hunting, skiing, flying his sailplane, golfing, and boating. Jerry loved to travel, and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of a different mountain. For years, he looked forward to the next adventure the "ski crowd" would cook up, and with them, skiied throughout the U.S. and Canada, and on occasion, France and Switzerland. In 2003, the decision was made to not only retire, but to make golf a year round hobby. Ultimately, he enjoyed seven great winters in Florida where he played lots of golf, and made many new friends. Although Jerry did not live long enough to meet his new granddaughter, one of his great joys was to have become a grandfather.
Jerry participated in one of the original planning commission boards of Jeffersonville. He was also a member of the Lamoille Economic Development Corporation, a member of the Board of Directors of the Franklin- Lamoille Bank, and a member of the Board of Directors of the National Hardwood Lumber Association.
"Jerry was a kind, forthright Vermonter that was universally respected and liked. His honesty was legendary, and his business sense was admired by all. This loss will be deeply felt not only by his family, but by everyone who knew him."
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Deb, his son Tyler and wife Sheri, his daughter Lyndsae and husband Varanont "Oat" Ruchira and their son Taevin, his mother Eunice (Bell) Gates, his sister Judy Gates, his nephew's family Paula Teague and daughters Amber, Andrea and Audrey, his maternal aunt Carol Locke, numerous cousins and many close friends. Also surviving are his four furry little friends, all of which will miss him, especially "Poppy".
Jerry was also predeceased by his brother Jonathan V., his nephew Robert Teague, several aunts, several uncles, and a cousin J.B. Pignona. two very close friends, Jim Rowley and Richard O'Connor.
There will be an open house celebrating Jerry's life at the Barn at Boyden Farm in Cambridge, Vt. on June 6, 2010 from 2 to 5 PM. Family, friends and acquaintances who knew Jerry and his family are invited to attend, and share stories and memories. The inurnment will be private at the family's request.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Jerry’s favorite charities, the North Country Animal League, 3524 LaPorte Road, Morrisville, VT 05661, or Chittenden County Humane Society, 142 Kindness Court, S. Burlington, VT 05403. The family is being assisted by John D. Workman, A. W. Rich Funeral Home – Fairfax Chapel, 1176 Main St. Fairfax, VT 05454. The family invites you to share your memories and online condolences by visiting
www.awrichfuneralhomes.com Thirty-five years were not nearly long enough, Jer. I hope Jim and Richard are with you now.
