Mark Gates

It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our dear Mark at his home in New Westminster. He is predeceased by his Mom and Dad. Mark will be missed by his daughter Ashley (James), sisters Kelly, Kathy (Barry), & Dee (Rick), and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncle, and friends.

Born in Calgary, Alberta, his family eventually moved out to Vancouver, BC when he was a young boy. He had countless happy memories growing up with 3 sisters, which helped shape him into the sensitive and caring person Mark was. He was the biggest jokester, and loved to play pranks on his sisters. Mark became a painter by trade, taking after his Dad, and belonged to the Painters Union. He started at age 18 and took great pride in his work. Mark recently started painting portraits, which he had a natural talent for. He was extremely skilled at his craft.

One of his greatest achievements was becoming a dad to his daughter Ashley, who was born in 1988. One time at the video store she was starting to crawl, and Mark got down on the floor and crawled with her. He was proud to be her father; she was his little Sweetpea.

Mark loved his family unconditionally. He loved being around his younger nephews and nieces, and hanging out with the older ones. Mark could talk to anyone and made friends wherever he went. He was not afraid to show his feelings, and had an honest conscience. He loved telling jokes, even though he was the one laughing the hardest at them.

He had a special place in his heart for his friend Shelley. She was his rock, and found him his cat Merlin. When Mark got Merlin he was a wild cat, but with Mark’s love and care they became best friends.

Mark cared about his appearance and always looked put together. As a teenager, he had perfect hair that required all of his sister’s hairspray and using an umbrella to walk to the car. He stayed close with his sisters throughout his life. He enjoyed watching sports, summer BBQs, and family camping trips. Our camping trips won’t be the same without him. He loved music and later in life learned to play the guitar. Mark was the music man.

As Mark always said, “Who loves you baby?”
We love you Mark.
Forever our Marco Polo.

Mark will be placed at Robinson Memorial Park Cemetery with his parents.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.