Elbert A. Gates

1957 - 2022

Elbert A. Gates
Elbert Armistead Gates (Bert, or Eggie as he was called by childhood friends) passed away Saturday January 8th, 2022 at Greenwich Hospital as a result of a fall and cardiac arrest days earlier. Bert was 64 years old.
Born in Evanston, IL March 25, 1957, Bert lived most of his life in Greenwich, CT. and graduated from Greenwich High School (G.H.S.) in 1975. Bert loved to play the piano and Scott Joplin music and to play chess from an early age. He also enjoyed sports and was on the G.H.S. soccer and ski teams. Bert was an expert skier who greatly enjoyed his family winter weekends skiing in Vermont and ski racing across New England. He achieved a top "A" ranking as a member of the Eastern Amateur Division of the United States Ski Association (USEASA).
Upon graduation from G.H.S. Bert attended Dartmouth College. While at Dartmouth Bert experienced the onset of mental illness, something that challenged him for the rest of his life. For over three decades, the Pathways organization based in Greenwich provided a home environment for Bert and an outlet for activities through their Fellowship Club. This greatly enriched his life. Bert lived in a Pathways group home early on and more recently in his own apartment.
Bert was a devoted member of the Jehovah's Witnesses for much of his adult life. His faith was important to him. Many members of the congregation at the Greenwich Kingdom Hall provided Bert with friendship and loving support over the years. Since Bert did not drive, this included driving him to the Kingdom Hall and making it possible for him to attend regularly and be an active member. Bert greatly valued these relationships.
Love of family was also important to Bert. He is survived by his mother Thaniel Armistead Gates, brothers Randy and Nathan, sister Leigh, and extended family. Bert's father Ralph Pillsbury Gates, Jr. passed away in 2018. Bert loved his many nieces and nephews, and loved to ask with a big grin on his face, are you "Ready for the Lineup?". He would then quickly and enthusiastically rattle off the names Richard, Terry, Ethan, Samantha, Jorge, Heather, Max, Maisie, Maddie, Mason and Millie.
Bert had a big heart, and a big smile. He will be missed. A memorial service through the Jehovah's Witnesses will be scheduled for a later date.