Rick Gates
1949-2016
Rick Gates passed away on Saturday, July 2, in the loving company of his wife and two children. The world has lost an exceptional human being.
Rick leaves behind his adoring wife of 40 years, Jane; their two children, Gail and Lynn (Ken); their grandson, Zack; sisters Kathy (Bruce) and Colleen (Pat), brothers John and Bruce (Karin); brother-in-law Tom and the spirit of his mother-in-law, Mona.
Born in Penticton in 1949, Rick came to Vancouver after high school. One year at UBC was enough for him, and he started in an entry level position with the City of Vancouver. Over the course of his career there, he parlayed his huge intelligence, acute analytic skills, personal presence, and sheer determination into the position of Senior Social Planner, a remarkable achievement for one without the “required” degrees.
He was for many years responsible for assessing City grants to Vancouver non-profits and for developing “social state of the city” reports to Council.
On his retirement, Rick and Jane moved to Sooke, where they established a solid and extensive network of close friendships. He remained involved in the community, with voluntary work in Sooke serving on the Official Community Plan (OCP) committee and also on the Board of the Sooke Fine Arts Show. Rick and Jane jointly pursued their love of gardening and landscaping, and Rick sought - and came close to achieving - perfection in the art of cooking. Rick and Jane’s retirement years continued their absolute devotion to one another, and their life together can serve as an inspiration in these times of instability.
A gathering to remember Rick will be held at 2004 Saseenos Rd. at 2pm on July 17th.