Howard H. Gates

FRANKLIN - Howard H. Gates, age 78, passed away at his home surrounded by his family, on Friday, November 11, 2016.

He was born in Enosburg Falls on October 3, 1938 the son of the late Charles & Winifred (Irish) Gates.

Howard grew up in Enosburg. He served in the Navy. July 11, 1959 he married Mary Towle. Together they established a registered herd of Jersey cows and created Howmars Farm. He worked some off the farm in construction and farm machinery sales, but it was the farm he came back to. He enjoyed his many years of service in local government. He loved his family and their times together, the land, sugaring, a game of cards, deer camp and a good joke. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Mary (Towle) Gates of Franklin. He is also survived by his children, Patty Whittemore and her husband Marty of Franklin, Jon Gates and his wife Karen of Franklin, Betsy Baker and her husband Jeff of Brookfield, and Steven Gates of Franklin; his grandchildren, Benjamin, Justin, Emily, Hanna, Zachariah, Madeline & Noah; his sisters, Carolyn Perley of Enosburgh, Susan Clark and her husband Douglas of Franklin, and Charles Jay Gates of Vermont; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Charles Gates and his mother, Winifred DeGoosh.

DUE TO THE WEATHER the service scheduled for the Maple Gove Cemetery will be moved to the Franklin United Church, 5414 Main St., Franklin on the same date and time (Saturday, November 26, 2016 at 1:00 PM) with Rev. Dr. Jason McConnell officiating. There will be no visiting hours. A reception will be held at the Franklin United Church following the memorial service.

For those who wish, contributions in Howards memory may be made to the Franklin County Home Health Agency - Hospice Program, 3 Home Health Circle, St. Albans, VT.