NORWAY — Alan C. Gates, A.K.A. “The Dictator,” 70, of South Paris, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 3, at Stephens Memorial Hospital after a short battle with lung cancer.

Mr. Gates was born May 19, 1947, to Stanley and Priscilla Coady Gates, in Philadelphia, Pa., the second of three children: older brother William Gates of Vermont, and a younger sister, Karen Gates Andrews of Kansas.

Alan graduated from Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School in Pennsylvania in 1965. He furthered his education studying animal science for three years at South Dakota State University. Alan was a show cattle manager until 1980 in Lafayette Hill, Pa., as well as in Alberta, Canada. He later moved to South Paris to be closer to his father after his mother passed.

He was self-employed doing woodworking and roofing, and later became manager at NPSW. He joined Paris Farmers Union in 1987 as a store clerk in the Paris store. He became store manager of the Bridgton store for nine years and then IT manager until his passing. Al was a devoted employee who spent the last 30 years with his PFU family.

Al was kind, smart and witty; he always had advice for anyone who would listen. He was liked by many. He loved to bet on any sport, as well as horse racing, even if it was just to make it more interesting. He was a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan and was more than thrilled when they won the Super Bowl this year! He enjoyed his time on the golf course but never claimed to be very good at it. Al became a regular at some local businesses, such as Gold Street, Country Way, Eldorado, Crazy 8’s, Michael’s and Boomers. He will be missed by his family and his friends, who became family.

A special thank you to Dr. James Eshleman and the staff at Stephens Memorial Hospital for your compassion and exceptional care.

Alan C. Gates

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