|
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
BATE, John Warburton - P.Eng, passed away peacefully, February 3, 2025, in Kingston, Ontario. John was born October 25, 1935, in Fredericton and raised in St. John, New Brunswick: the youngest child of the Venerable Archdeacon Alban Frederick and Norah Francis (Warburton) Bate. He is survived by devoted wife, Sharon (Kilmer); daughter, Sarah deJoybert; son, Micheal; stepson, Matthew Mills; grandson, Alexander; sister, Dorothea Beckwith; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by siblings, Connie, George, Mary, Margaret Anne, and Olga; and granddaughter, Nicole. John graduated from Rothesay Collegiate School (Rothesay Netherwood School) in 1953. He served in the University Naval Training Division 1955-58, commissioned Sub-Lt. RCN(R) 1958. He earned a B.Sc., Engineering from University of New Brunswick 1960. John resided and worked in Ontario most of his adult life. He had a long and distinguished career as a structural engineer and commercial building contractor, earning several professional honours and awards. He served as President of the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario (Professional Engineers Ontario) (1990-91) and Chair of the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers (Engineers Canada) (1996-97), before retiring as President, John Bate Engineering Inc. (1981-2006). John supported Rothesay Netherwood School his whole life, serving for a time as Governor. He was a lifelong stamp collector, outdoor enthusiast, and traveller. He enjoyed sailing his boat, Ario, on the Great Lakes, scuba diving, and reading. He had remarkable intellectual curiosity, boundless interests, and an amazing memory. He was warm, clever, nonjudgmental, and a gifted raconteur. He was generous and without pretension; a good and decent man to his core. John and his loving wife, Sharon, travelled the world in partnership, visiting dozens of countries and making hundreds of friends until Alzheimer's took its cruel toll on him. "He transformed my life completely from the moment we met," says Sharon. "John made me feel safe, supported, and encouraged every day for more than 40 years. We had such fun together." The family extends a special thank you to the staff and volunteers at Rideaucrest Home in Kingston, who cared for John and supported Sharon with such professionalism, kindness, and compassion. A memorial service and celebration of John's life will be held Thursday, February 13th, including visitation from 12 p.m., service from 1 p.m., and a reception in the Great Hall at St. George's Cathedral, 270 King St. E., Kingston. Donations may be made, in lieu of flowers, to the Alzheimer Society of KFL&A (The Globe and Maile 08 Feb 2025)
|
