Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects is saddened to learn that John Gates, aged 95 passed away on 5 March 2023 in Lower Hutt. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.
John was a Fellow of the Institute and a former principal of Structon Group Architects. The practice designed the Levers Brothers offices in Petone and the Hutt Civic Centre Precinct, still one of the most substantial buildings in the Hutt. In 1954 they won the Gold Medal for the St James' Church in Lower Hutt.
John had a love of the outdoors. He was a keen tramper having joined the Tararua Tramping Club in 1945, where his architectural skills were also put to good use. Some of his official roles in the Club included being Chief Guide, designing and rebuilding many tramping huts in the Tarurua Ranges and the Club’s Tararua Lodge on Mt Ruapehu which was built in 1960. In a trip to Peru in 1982, John climbed to 19,500 feet without oxygen. The Eastbourne Herald (26 August 2021) page 6 carries a wonderful story on John.
A service for John will be held in Knox Presbyterian Church, 574 High Street, Lower Hutt, on Monday 13th March 2023 at 11.00am, thereafter private cremation.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Wellington Free Ambulance, PO Box 601, Wellington, would be appreciated or may be left at the service or online wfa.org.nz. All communications to the Gates Family can be sent c/- PO Box 30067, Lower Hutt 5040.