BATE, Maurice William
1931-2022
The Venerable Maurice William Bate (L.Th, Dip.Min) died in St. Jerome, QC on February 18, 2022. Maurice was born and raised in Oldham, Lancashire, England, the youngest of four. His deep love for English style football, his considerable skill as a player and his lifelong support of ‘Manchester United’ began there. It is also where he met the love of his life and future wife, Margaret Ellen Woodworth whom he married in 1955.
In the late 1950’s they moved to Canada where Maurice worked for Canadair as an engineer and Margaret worked for BOAC. They adopted three children who will mourn his passing greatly: Carole (John Conlan) of Cicero, New York, Cathay (Jacques Decelles) of Lachute, Quebec and Mai-Lan (D’Alquen Jackson) of Coquitlam, British Columbia.
In 1976 Maurice left work in the private sector to study for the priesthood at the Montreal Diocesan Theological College. He was ordained to the Diaconate in 1976 and then to the priesthood by Bishop Reginald Hollis, in the Anglican Diocese of Montreal. He served as an assistant in the Parish of Greenfield Park in 1976 and went on to be the rector of St. James Parish in Rosemère, Québec in 1978. Finally, he was appointed to the Parish of Trinity, Morin Heights & St. Francis of the Birds, St. Sauveur, Québec in 1982. In 1983 he became the Territorial Archdeacon of St. Andrews and served in that capacity until 2000. He continued as Parish Priest at Morin Heights/St Sauveur until December 31, 2002 when he fully retired. He was declared Archdeacon–Emeritus in 2000.
Maurice showed an exceptional ability to lead and an amazing capacity to shepherd his flock. His love of the Lord was so visible in his being and in every sermon he delivered (always without notes). His loving and powerful invitation led many on a journey into a deeper relationship with our Saviour, with God the Father and with the Holy Spirit. He will long be remembered for his deep faith, his many years of faithful service to the Lord, his kindness, compassion and strength.
A brief ceremony, led by Bishop Mary Irwin Gibson, was held at the Trudel Funeral Home in St. Jerome prior to his cremation, as per his wishes.
A public celebration of life and memorial service will be held at St. Francis of the Birds Church in St. Sauveur for both Maurice and his wife, Margaret during the summer. Interment will follow at the St. Francis of the Birds Cemetery. All of this in accordance with their directives.
We give thanks for his life and service. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of BATE Maurice William 19312022..
Death notice for the town of: Saint-Jérôme, Province: Quebec