Herbert L. Gatewood

Herbert L. Gatewood, 96, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, February 26th, surrounded by his loving family, in his daughter's arms.

He was born on October 21, 1929, in Marshall, Illinois, and grew up in Terre Haute, Indiana. Although Herb lived in many places throughout his life, the years he cherished most were spent raising his three children in South Hamilton, Massachusetts. During that time, the family shared many happy memories of skiing together, sailing with his eldest son, and attending his children's sports and activities, in which Herb took great pride and maintained an active interest.

Herb earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering in 1953 from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. He then proudly served his country for two years in the United States Army, assigned to the Corps of Engineers and attached to the Air Force. Much of his service was spent at an air base near Verdun, France, and he was honorably discharged with the rank of First Lieutenant.

Following his military service, Herb worked as a chemical engineer in nylon development. In 1964, he earned his Juris Doctor degree from George Washington University. He was admitted to practice before numerous bars, including the Supreme Court of the United States. His distinguished legal career included work with the United States Patent Office, corporate settings, and private practice. He specialized in patent, trademark, and copyright law and engaged in related litigation. His name appears on hundreds of patents as either an examiner or prosecuting attorney. Herb also enjoyed sharing his knowledge by lecturing in these areas of law at the University of New Hampshire, Salem State University, and through classes at the Boston Adult Education Center.

In retirement, Herb developed a deep passion for photography, particularly photographing lighthouses. He captured images of hundreds of lighthouses along the East and West Coasts, throughout the Great Lakes, the Caribbean, Portugal, and France. His other photographic interests included wildlife, especially the large birds of the Florida Everglades, such as the great blue heron. His photographs appeared in several lighthouse calendars and books, and he created a website to showcase and sell his color prints.

Prior to moving to Colonial Gardens Gracious Retirement Living in Beverly, Herb resided for fourteen years in Bonita Springs, Florida, overlooking the golf course at Highland Woods Golf and Country Club. He greatly enjoyed the game of golf and playing at many different courses. He was an avid reader and enjoyed watching movies, particularly westerns and war films. His favorite movie was Rhapsody in Blue, based on the life of George Gershwin. He loved Gershwin's music and had a deep appreciation for classical and jazz piano, especially the artistry of Erroll Garner, Oscar Peterson, Art Tatum, the Atlantic Five Jazz Band, and Beegie Adair. Herb was also a very good swing dancer. While living at Colonial Gardens, he enjoyed the companionship of friends and participation in community activities. Herb will be remembered for his strength, quick wit, quiet passions, intellectual curiosity, and genuine enjoyment of life.

He is survived by his son, Michael Gatewood; Michael's partner, Kim Long, and her son, Noah, of Boxford, Massachusetts; his daughter, Sydney Walsh and her husband, Michael Walsh, of Middleton, Massachusetts; and his son, David Gatewood, of Aliso Viejo, California. He was the proud grandfather of Michael, Matthew, and Ann Kathryn Walsh; Kathryn Gatewood; and Kyle and Allison Gatewood.

Herb was the beloved husband of Ann Kathryn (Sarli) Gatewood, with whom he shared 40 years of marriage until her passing on November 13, 1999. He will be laid to rest beside his wife at St. Mary's Cemetery in Beverly, Massachusetts.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Care Dimensions Palliative and Hospice Care of Danvers, Massachusetts, as well as to Herb's personal care providers, for the exceptional compassion and care he received in his home.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Paul's Church, 50 Union Street, South Hamilton on Friday, March 6th, at 10:30am. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. In accordance with Herb's wishes, there will be no visiting hours. Burial will be private, at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Herbert L. Gatewood's memory to Care Dimensions, either online at www.caredimensions.org or by mail. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com .