Richard "Bear" Gath

I first met Richard “Bear” Gath around 2005 through the Horse Shoe Fish and Game Club. From the beginning, Bear carried himself with a quiet strength—he was reserved, honest, and deeply sincere. He served as our club’s president for many years, always steady, always present.

One of my fondest memories is learning how to shoot skeet under his patient guidance. I was never very good—always getting stuck at the follow-through—but Bear never made me feel small for it. Instead he...

I had the privilege of shooting skeet with Bear at Horseshoe Fish and Game club over the past decade. He was always willing to share his expertise and guidance with new and experienced shooters alike. He will be greatly missed.

So many old memories my friend. We came to DEC Maynard together from PA and roomed at several places from Mar 1970. After my stint in the Army upon return to Westfield we spent so many hours listening to songs from you massive record collection. I think we wore the grooves out on Black Sabbath
Vol 4. Your passive personality was your biggest character trait. I never recall you getting upset and unloading unlike me. We each married and raised familes as our greatest accomplishments....

To Naomi & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I am saddened by his passing. He was a very good friend to my father, Ed Ledoux. They went together to a World Shoot in Savannah Georgia in I believe 1986 or 1987. The picture of them together hangs at the Horseshoe Fish & Game Club. I enjoyed many a talk with Bear/Richard at the club. The picture you chose of him is as exactly how I will remember him. He served the Horseshoe Fish & Game Club as President for MANY years and it was...

Bear and I had many good times together at work in Westfield and fishing streams in the summer and ice fishing in the winter. A great guy!

To the Gath Family,

I was so deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Gath’s passing. Valerie, your tribute to him was truly beautiful—it brought back so many memories of time spent with you and your family.

As a child, I remember being a little intimidated by him—maybe it was his quiet presence and larger-than-life stature—but he was always so kind and welcoming, allowing us to enjoy ourselves fully in your home. I’ll always cherish those times: sleeping in the camper, the fun...

Bear, we had a lot of good times, hunting, fishing, chasing JAWS OFF PROVINCETOWN.... I ENJOYED IT ALL AS DID SCOTT. My prayers are with you, Bear and your family. I'll see you in the not to distant future in the Fish and Game club in the sky. Sandy Merritt

Offering our deepest condolences during this time.