Ralph H. Gates Jr., 82, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, January 16 at St. André Health Care after a battle with dementia.
Ralph was born March 2, 1941, in Haverhill, Massachusetts, to the late Ralph & Rolanda Gates. He was the firstborn and predeceased by many siblings.
Ralph was appointed firefighter with the Haverhill Fire Department on September 28, 1969, where he started his career. He also became a Master Electrician and enjoyed his secondary career as an electrician. Ralph retired from the Haverhill Fire Department after 28 years of service, where he created many years of dedication and brotherhood with his fireman family.
Ralph married Gloria, a true love. He became a stepdad to Barbara Binette (husband Leo), Robert Parenteau (wife Karen), and Dawn Cloutier (husband Stephen). He became a grandfather to Brooke Wales (Jesse) and Lacey Tardiff (David). Pepere to Angelica Cloutier, Airik Cloutier, Noah Parenteau, Allison Cloutier, Jacob Parenteau, Alivia Cloutier, Caleb Parenteau and Ajay Cloutier. Grandfather to Brody Wales, Kruz Tardiff, and Juniper Dickerson.
Once retired, Ralph & Gloria established Sebastian, Florida, as their home base, where he completely lived out his retirement. Ralph could often be found on a golf course, putting range or bowling alley. He took on the true meaning of retirement. Ralph spent many days golfing with friends and family and often in Maine with his grandson Nathan.
He was on multiple bowling leagues with his wife, where they would spend time weekly out with friends. When he wasn’t golfing, Ralph was spending time with his family. He enjoyed winding up the little ones, making them laugh and created a bond that only a grandfather can create. Memories of trips to Theme parks, water parks, long road trips and the annual Christmas Eve movie theater trip with all the grandchildren can be heard.
Ralph is also survived by his two sons, Brian and Rob Gates, granddaughter Kristin Gates of Maine, grandson Nathan Gates & wife Erin, also of Maine, and their son Keegan.
