Obituary of George Warburton Bate

Bate, George Warburton, M.D. C.M. Death occurred peacefully December 2, 2005, at his home on Germain St. with grace and courage as he lived his life. Born in Charlottetown, PEI to Archdeacon Alban F. and Norah F. (Warburton) Bate. He graduated from Rothesay Collegiate School receiving the Governor General's Medal. His pre-med education was interrupted from 1942-1945 while he served in the Royal Canadian Navy as a Lieutenant on a North Atlantic Corvette. Upon graduation from Dalhousie University Medical School he practised family medicine for six years, first in McAdam and later in Rothesay. He then spent four years in Worcester, MA becoming a general surgeon, certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons and the American College of Surgery. He came to Saint John in 1961 to begin the practice of surgery with a special interest in pediatric and breast surgery. He loved being a surgeon and his career has been marked by his dedication to the holistic approach to his patients. He had a quiet strength and sincerity, which gave comfort to those in his care. He was involved in the education of internes and residents for over thirty years. His caring and compassion for his patients served as a source of inspiration to those he mentored and taught. He chaired numerous hospital committees and spearheaded many innovative changes and programs. He was an early advocate for a palliative care service. He served as President of the Medical Staff of the Saint John General Hospital. He was recognized by his peers in the NB Medical Society with the Dr. Garfield Moffatt award for “exceptional standards as a practising physician; outstanding leadership and dedication to community service, extraordinary contributions in the education of others; and for his life long commitment to the quality of life and the joy of living”. He cared deeply about his country, his community and his St. Paul's (Valley) Church. He worked diligently for the United Way, Salvation Army, served on the board of Saint John Energy, Canadian Corps of Commissionaires as Chairman of the Board of Governors for NB and PEI, and participated in many community endeavours in the South End of Saint John. His commitment to his community was recognized by the Canada 125 Medal and the Queens Jubilee Medal. He was a member of the Byng Boys Club and Parrtown Club. Dr. George Bate led a full and vigorous life and his love and friendship will be missed by his many friends and family. Predeceased by his first wife Vera (Crummey) and his daughter Susan. He leaves his wife Beverly (Cooke), his son James (Nadine) of Durham, NS, and daughters Janet (Bill) Brittain of Vancouver, Christine (John) Webster of Florida, Angela of Vancouver and Kate (Patrick) Marshall of Toronto, son-in-law Michael Butler. Sisters Mary (Tom) Foster, Margaret Anne (Gerald) Langmaid, Dorothea (Tom) Beckwith, Olga (Rory) Grant, brother John (Sharon). Grandchildren Christine, Michael Brittain and Jennifer (Matt) Wong, Andrew Webster, Colin, Adam, Peter and Devon Bate. Several nieces and nephews. Resting at Brenan's Select Community Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (506-634-7424), with visiting on Saturday, December 3r from 7? 9 pm and Sunday, December 4th from 2? 4 and 7? 9 pm. The funeral service will be held on Monday, December 5, 2005, at 2:30pm, from Trinity Anglican Church on Germain Street. Interment will follow at St. Luke's Church cemetery in Gondola Point, NB. Donations to the Susan Bate Scholarship Fund, Harbour View High, 305 Douglas Ave., Saint John, NB, E2K 1E5, would be appreciated.