Robert W. Gates, 49, of Esty Road, died on Saturday, December 3, 2011, at UMass Memorial Healthcare- University Campus, Worcester. He was born in Worcester, the son of Wesley W. and Barbara L. (Nelson) Gates and lived all of his life in Princeton.

Bobby is survived and will be greatly missed by his two children, Hannah E. and Graham R. Gates, both of Princeton; his mother, Barbara L. Gates of Princeton; his sister, Karen L. Lane and her husband William of Princeton; his former wife and friend, Karen A. (Whitcher) Gates of Rutland; two nieces and a nephew, Kristen Chiavaras and her husband Tom, Jennifer Lane, and Matthew Lane and his wife Elizabeth; two grandnieces, Madison and Kaylee; and his faithful friend and work companion “Lexie” whom traveled with him wherever he went.

He graduated from Worcester Vocational Technical High School in 1980. He was a member of the International Union of Elevator Constructors and was a 4th generation elevator mechanic. He began his career while in high school at Bay State Elevator Co. in Agawam, where he continued working for 31 years. Bobby was always there to lend a helping hand. He enjoyed woodworking and was known for making family Christmas gifts. His greatest joy was spending time with his children in whatever was important to them.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 8, in the Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road (Rte. 12), Sterling. His funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 9, in the funeral home with burial following in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jimmy Fund, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place-West 6th floor, Brookline, MA 02445.