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Craig Gates Obituary
of Lowell; 65
LOWELL - Craig A. Gates, 65, a resident of Lowell died unexpectedly on Saturday, December 30, 2017 at Lowell General Hospital. He was the beloved longtime companion of Brenda P. Maille.
He was born in Worcester on January 10, 1952, and was a son of the late Alden H. and Ruth (Brigham) Gates. He was a graduate of Tahanto Regional High School in Boylston and Salem State College.
He was employed as the Executive Director of the Lowell Folk Festival Foundation for the last six years. Prior to that he was employed for twenty-two years as the general manager of the Tsongas Arena in Lowell and as a manager at the Worcester Centrum.
Craig loved music, especially Billy Joel, which according to him, "It's all about soul". He also enjoyed collecting rock and roll memorabilia, going to New England beaches and traveling with Brenda.
In addition to his beloved Brenda, he is survived by his children, Ryan of Boston, Casey, Molly and her fiancé' Nathan Strub, and Kristen Marie Gates, all of Worcester; his brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Carole Gates; and his two nephews, Michael and Matthew Gates of Natick. He was predeceased by his buddy, Bo.
GATES - Relatives and friends are invited to attend Craig's Life Celebration at the MCKENNA-OUELLETTE FUNERAL HOME, 327 Hildreth Street, Lowell on Thursday from 4:00 until 8:00 PM and again at the First Congregational Church, 10 Church St. in Boylston, MA on Friday from 9:30 until 11:00 AM followed by his Funeral Service at 11:00 AM at the church. Burial in Pine Grove Cemetery in Boylston. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Craig's memory to the Lowell Folk Festival Foundation, PO Box 217, Lowell, MA 01853. For condolences and directions, please visit www.mckennaouellette.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Craig Gates
Sponsored by lowellsun.com.
Janet Kouroubacalis
August 10, 2018
Craig was and always will be a hero to us! My kids Michael and Marisa performed at Tsongas Arena/Lowell Winterfest many times and when Michael had a serious zamboni accident at Winterfest, Craig followed the ambulance to the hospital. From then on no matter what upset happened Craig and we would say: "Well, at least Michael has feet." Craig had the biggest heart and took them back to meet favorite artist Avril Lavigne when they were only 5 and 6 years old. His joy came from other people's joy. He was the kindest most genuine and giving man. We are shocked and very saddened to have just learned of his passing. We will miss him very much and will continue to think of him and speak of him often. Our hearts are broken and we send love and peace to Brenda and the entire Gates family. He was one of the finest people we have every met. We are very grateful to have known him and will miss him very much.
John Peters
January 10, 2018
I am so shocked and saddened that I am one this page. Just heard the news today. Craig was one of my best friends in the music business. I spent many wonderful evenings at the Tsongas Arena with Craig as we put on rock shows. Whether it was Bob Dylan or Slipknot; Blink 182, Avril Lavigne, Fall Out Boy or Kid Rock, Craig was supportive of every one. He had a great team (Kim, Carla, Paige) and was such a pleasure to work with. I know he liked Billy Joel, but he always told me he loved Pantera. I remember that he took as much pride in working for VUI selling merchandise at Gillette as he did running one of the best arena's in New England. Just crushed and heart-broken to hear this news today. - John Peters, Concord, MA
bob mccarthy
January 7, 2018
My sincerest condolences to the family of a Guy who, as best as I could tell, was trying to do his best for the Folk Festival to which I've never been to in my Birthtown but bugged him about this-n-that to which he tried to respond action wise. 65 Really? Too Sad! Kudos to his efforts!!!
Flo Lucci
January 6, 2018
Dear Brenda and Craig's children,
I both worked with and became good friends with Craig at the Centrum in Worcester. We shared many good times and memorable work experiences both in Worcester, golf tournaments, the Boston Common and great shows in Philly. Live Aid, the Jackson tour, The U.S. Open, Springstein, Grateful Deads shows as well as Ringling Brothers and boring flat shows come to mind. Not matter the event - we always made the best of it.
I am so sorry that you lost your partner and Dad so early in life. Life is precious. Take care.
Matt Byrne
January 5, 2018
To Brenda & Craig's entire family...please accept my deepest condolences. Craig was one of the first people I met when I moved to downtown Lowell...and his genuineness and humble kindness gave me an immediate friend. Craig was selfless, funny, happy, and a proud father of great children. I'm thankful I had the chance to know Craig so well and call him a friend. He was one of the best. Period. From walking our dogs who both shared partial custody at Wignall animal hospital to having a beer at the Old Majors to seeing him running the merch booth at Gillette with the huge tri corn foam pats hat on...he was the absolute best. Craig was a true asset to my life. To Ryan, Kristen , Molly ... your father was a great man and I'll think of him often.
January 5, 2018
Very sorry for your loss. He was a good man who was very proud of his family. I grew up with Craig & Wayne in Boylston & have fond memories.
Virginia Conroy
January 5, 2018
Kristen, I am deeply saddened for the loss of your Dad. The death of a parent is devastating. I pray for you and your entire family. What a beautiful tribute to your Dad. May you cherish each and every memory. My deepest sympathies. RIP Craig
Donna Miceli
January 5, 2018
My sincere condolences to Craig's family, friends and partner Brenda. Lowell will miss this truly "good guy".
God Bless.
Steve Brandt
January 5, 2018
To the entire Gates family I want to send my deepest condolences. I grew up with Craig, Wayne, Alden and Ruth, as well as the entire extended family and am quite saddened to hear of Craig's death. He was a good man. May he Rest In Peace and May you all find solace in knowing he was loved by so many...
Robin Furno
January 4, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sue and Ron Townshend
January 4, 2018
Our sincere condolences to you all. What a lovely video tribute. Thank you for sharing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Brenda and Craigs family.
Stephen Greene
January 4, 2018
I am so sorry at the untimely loss of Craig. We was a great guy to work with at the Lowell Folk Festival and he will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy to Brenda and the Gates Family.
Jeanne (Rose) Bellucci
January 4, 2018
To the Gates Family,
So very sorry to hear of Craig's recent passing. I went to elementary & high school with him and he was always such a sweet guy. He will be remembered & missed by so many.
The Demarees
January 4, 2018
Rest in peace Craig, gone far too young. With appreciation for your life's work and deepest sympathy to Brenda and family.
Deb Finch
January 4, 2018
Craig was such an all-around good person; he always had a smile to share, and a willingness to treat everyone well. He will be sorely missed. We have lost a great guy way too soon. My thoughts and prayers are with Brenda and his family.
Lorraine Theriault
January 4, 2018
Brenda and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Craig was a wonderful guy. My thoughts and prayers our with all of you.
George Gath
January 4, 2018
Dear Craig's family I'm sorry I can't be there to say goodby to a great guy. I've only come to know him from the 4 seasons the last few years. We will miss him . I just viewed the video it is a great tribute to Craig. He is in my prayers George Gath .God bless Craig and his family
David Rice
January 4, 2018
Maria, Wayne and families. Saddened to hear of Craig's passing. He was truly one of the good guys. Wishing you All peace and comfort during this most difficult time.
Carolina Sposito
January 4, 2018
We are so sorry for the lost of our friendly neighbord Craig. We will miss you very much , the good conversations , the good morning , and your smile every day . Fly high Craig . Lowell has lost a very kind and important person . Our conodolences to Brenda and his family . Carolina
Carolina & William Torena
January 4, 2018
My husband and I are very sorry for the lost of our very nice neighbord . We are going to miss him a lot , his good morning , his conversations and his friendly smile . Fly high Craig , God has the best place to you .
Our condolescense to Brenda and his family.
Sandy and Stan Fall
January 4, 2018
Brenda,
Stan and I are so very sorry for your loss.
Stan and Sandy Fall
AB
January 4, 2018
My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you, and may our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loves us, comfort your hearts and "make you firm". -2 Thessalonians 2:16,17
april graffeo
January 4, 2018
He was defiantly one of the good guys, my deepest sympathy goes out to all, and especially Brenda, he leaves one heck of a women behind.
Stephanie Sampsonis-keogh
January 3, 2018
Craig, you were a great friend. Thank you for all your support through the years. We will miss you so much. You will always remain a part of the glenview extended family. I will miss your stories and memories of good times passed.to Craig's kids and Brenda, I'm so sorry for your loss. I've been thinking of all of you.
Sr. Pauline Leblanc
January 3, 2018
Brenda,
My prayer will be with you especially if the snow storm prevents me from getting to Craig's wake. May you find peace and consolation in your memories of all the good times.
Love,
Sr. Pauline
Carol and Vinnie
January 3, 2018
our warmest thoughts go out to you Brenda and family with more concern and sympathy than we could ever say..
Love from your cousin
January 3, 2018
Brenda and family, Our deepest sympathies. Our thoughts and
prayers are with you and his family .
Rich Krezwick
January 3, 2018
I was so very surprised and saddened to hear of Craig's passing. I had the great pleasure of working with Craig at the Centrum, many years ago. He was smart and savvy when it came to business and a 'dog on a bone' when it came to diligently pursuing what he believed in! I admired that quality. He reached out to me recently to tell me what a great mentor I had been and sought some PR advise on doing his job better in his then current role at the folk festival. That was Craig... doing business and being a friend. I will miss his Facebook posts and following his escapades. I send my prayers and condolences to Brenda and his children... and although you don't know me, I want you to know I was a big fan of his. You are certainly sad, but you will soon transition to a state where you will be forever proud of his legacy.
Miss Paula
January 3, 2018
RIP Craig. You will be greatly missed. "Any luck will do"
joe carabello
January 3, 2018
Chris and I were saddened to hear about the passing of our friend Craig. We had lost touch years ago, however we enjoyed many good times at Salem State College and after we graduated. Craig always had a smile and would do anything for you. You passed too young, we will miss you and remember you.
Chris and Joe Carabello
Ginny Walsh
January 3, 2018
RIP Craig our prayers are with you. Craig was very much a people person. Always had a warm smile and greeting to all he met. He was like family to the Walshes and will be missed.
Fred and Ginny Walsh
bob hatem
January 3, 2018
Craig Gates is one of the unsung heroes of Lowell. Best memory: bringing the Williams sisters of tennis fame and Fed Cup games to city. He and his family are in our thoughts and prayers. Craig will be fondly remembered.RIP
bob hatem,
Dave Marsden
January 3, 2018
So sorry to learn of Craig's passing. He was a wonderful Mann and a great pleasure to work with. His enthusiasm and expertise provided much appreciated support in our concert presentations, even though his smile sometimes seemed to include a hint of bewilderment..... My condolences to Craig's family and friends and associates.
Donna Spellissy
January 3, 2018
I've known Craig for years as he worked for the Tsongas. Always a gentleman eager to help UML anytime he was asked. Lowell lost a good person. Always great running into him at the Glenview. Sincere condolences Bernie & Donna Spellissy
Allyson Shanley
January 3, 2018
My deepest sympathies to Brenda, Craig's family and all his friends, Craig was honest, loyal, loving , funny and the most positive person I know.. He always made you smile, especially when he would sing.. Craig loved life and went out of his way to talk to everyone and make sure you were doing ok. He was a true gentleman and will be missed everyday! I hope he helps all of us left with broken hearts help us through this difficult loss! Craig, you were loved by so many and you were the sunshine of everyone's day! Rest In Peace my dear Friend!
Lisa Gagnon
January 2, 2018
Brenda and family, Mike and I are so sorry to hear of the passing of Craig. He was a pleasure to know and I'm sure you will miss him dearly. Our deepest sympathies to all of you.
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Celebration of Life
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