BATES, Gilbert Arthur ~ 92, Retired Warrant Officer, CD and Clasps, passed away on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, in his home in Middleton. Born in Freeport, to the late Elmer and Daisy (Moore) Bates. Gilbert joined the R.C.A.F. in 1947, in the Fire and Crash Rescue Department, serving as Fire Chief at various air force stations including Nuclear and Radar bases and North America Air Defense Command. After retiring Gilbert returned to Freeport where he worked in the fishing industry, operated a small grocery store. He served several terms as village commissioner and was instrumental in having the first fire hall built. He later worked at Michelin Tire, Bridgewater in security and teaching firefighting and first aid. After which he bought the Long and Brier Islands Ambulance Service and operated that until late 1989 when he purchased a motor home and he and his wife Joan spent about 16 winters in the southern U.S.A. and Mexico. Gilbert was predeceased by his wife, the former Joan Perry; son, James Gordon; daughters, Margaret Ann Bates and Donna  Jefferson; brothers, Frank and Neil. He is survived by sons, Donald (Linda) Fort Francis, Ont.; and Gary (Tracy) Nictaux; stepdaughters, Melana and Alison (Billy), Shelburne; grandchildren, Rebecca, Morgan, Ann Marie, Daisy, Lawrence, Crystal, Matthew, Nicole, Danielle, Erin and Taylor; four great grandchildren. A special thank you to Dr. Paul MacLean, Annapolis Valley Palliative Care Team, and Annapolis Valley Home Care for helping us keep Dad at home, where he wanted to be. There will be no service at Gilbert's request. After cremation, interment will be at Brookside Cemetery in Freeport. Donations in memory may be made to the Freeport Baptist Church or Brookside Cemetery Maintenance Fund. Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, toll free 1-855-825-3448.  Online guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com