The passing of Mr Robin Gate, our Northern District Honorary Life Vice President
May 12, 2023 • General
It is with great sadness that we share with you news of the passing of Mr Robin Gate, our Northern District Honorary Life Vice President.
Much loved and respected, Robin was born into a farming family and grew up on a farm at Pica, near Distington in the west of the county. Becoming a young farmer in the 1940s Robin’s first club was at Whitehaven Grammar School. From there he went onto join Egremont and then Lamplugh YFC.
Throughout his time in young farmers Robin enjoyed a whole host of events and activities and once out of age, Robin continued his connections with Lamplugh YFC, the Northern District and Cumbria YFC, mentoring and helping the younger generations with their stock judging, field days and competitions.
Robin was very proud to be asked to be the Northern District of Cumbria YFC’s President in 1998, a role he relished and which enabled him to visit all the clubs within the District. At their AGM In January 2022, the Northern District voted unanimously to make Robin their very first Northern District Honorary Life Vice President. Robin wrote to the Northern District of Cumbria YFC at the time, thanking the young farmers for the accolade and sharing that he was overwhelmed and honoured to accept.
Robin loved catching up with his friends in young farmers and always finished these catch ups with a little story or tale and a smile on his face. After a lifetime in young farmers Robin was known throughout the county and was very pleased that his 3 daughters and grandchildren also followed in his footsteps and joined young farmers.
Robin’s funeral will be held at 12 noon on Tuesday 23rd May 2023 at St John’s Church, Egremont Road, Hensingham, Whitehaven, CA28 8QW. Committal will be at Distington Hall at 1.15pm.
Our thoughts are very much with Robin’s wife, Ida and his daughters, Mary, Anne and Jean and their families at this difficult time.
Thank you, Robin for all that you have done for us, you were a true gentleman and will be loved and remembered by us all.
