So sorry to hear about Lyle. I so often saw him sitting outside his apartment & I commented not long ago the I had not seen him in a while.

I remember him from the times he worked at the Schuyler County Historical Society. He was a big help.

Sympathy from all the Board at the Society.

Lyle Gates personified faith, hope, and love, and Montour Falls, NY was the recipient of it!

The Markley family

Norristown, PA

If you ever met Lyle, you would never forget him. He enjoyed helping others, had pride in his work and community, and a strong faith in God. He was one of the first people I met when I moved to Schuyler County in 1989 and worked at the Rural Urban Center. He was a big supporter of the 4-H program, youth fair, and walkathon. He always brought a variety of snacks and treats for our youth social events including the pinewood derby and teen club events. In many ways, he was like a big kid who would get enthusiastic about contests, parades and fairs. Lyle also volunteered with community organizations such as the Montour Falls Library and the Office for the Aging food program.

After he retired, Lyle stayed closer to home and served as an informal greeter on Main Street in Montour Falls. One vacationing couple from New Jersey asked him for information and he gladly gave them facts about local history and tips on local restaurants, waterfalls, and the Watkins Glen International racetrack. They were so impressed that they wrote a letter that was shared at one of the village board meetings. He planted flowers around his home on Main Street and always put out the flag for holidays often dressing in red, white and blue.

During his later years, Lyle suffered from several health issues. He maintained a faith in God and reached out to a small network of friends for help with transportation, shopping, and sharing memories and advice. He avoided staying overnight at hospitals and thinking about nursing home care. His last days were at home where he wanted to be just before the 4th of July. May he Rest in Peace!

My condolences to Lyle’s family. My Mom, Norma Tinker, would often speak fondly of Lyle’s contributions at the Rural Urban Center. His smile will be missed.

I would like to offer my condolences to the passing of Lyle.

I considered Lyle a good friend. I worked in Montour Falls as 4-H Agent in the 80's. Lyle took care of our building. He was the best and appreciated by the staff. He always gave his work a special touch. He had been given some bulletin board decorations by teachers where he had previously worked. Every holiday was represented by Lyle's extra effort to decorate.

He participated in our Youth Fair Walkathons for several years. He was so proud to be the walker with the most sponsors and money pledged several times.

I reconnected with Lyle about 5 years ago. We talked on the phone once a week. In fact I spoke with him late afternoon the day before he passed. We often talked about youth fair, 4-H, Walkathon etc. He also spoke about the fact that he knew he had done some "stupid" things in his life and that he was sorry and had turned his life around. He spoke of his relationship with God and that there would be rejoicing and no more pain when he reached the pearly gates. I know Lyle did a lot of good things for other people- he was generous to share what he had.

The last time I talked with him he again shared his conviction that he wanted to remain independent. He was afraid he would be "put in a home" which he did not want. I said to him-but what if something happens and no one is around to help you. His reply was "then I will be in HIS hands. "

I will miss talking with him. He will always he a good man in my book.

I know that there is a memorial on Friday. I will not be able to come-don't drive very far any more. If someone wants to share these thoughts I have written at the service please feel free.

Lyle was a true legend for Montour Falls. I remember his many years helping out at the Rural Urban Center, the Youth Fair and also his many hours helping at the Montour Falls Carnival. His presence on Main Street is truly missed. I look every time I leave my house and miss seeing him sitting out on his chair as he greeted all those that went by. Rest in Peace Lyle! My sympathy to Lyles' family.