Friends and co-workers reacted Tuesday to the death of Chanute Utilities Director Larry Gates. Gates passed away early Friday after a brief illness.
Chanute City Manager Jeff Cantrell recalled Gates as rock-solid, confident in his work, compassionate and someone who would give the shirt off his back.
“The loss is a shock to our organization,” Cantrell said.
Although he did not give details, he said officials knew about 30 days ago that Gates had serious health issues. Cantrell said even while undergoing treatment, Gates kept involved with city services through texts and emails.
“Larry was my boss, my mentor,” retired utilities employee Dave Hawkins said. “He knew how to conduct business and get things done.” Gates was a member of the Board of Directors of Kansas Municipal Utilities, first representing the city of Erie and later Chanute. He was also chair of the KMU Legislative and Regulatory Committee in 2000 and was Regional Coordinator for the Kansas Mutual Aid Program for Utilities. Cantrell said he does not anticipate replacing Gates.
“Larry was a unicorn in this line of work,” Cantrell said.
Instead, the city expects to reorganize the department with three groups, department heads and the city manager picking up Gates’ duties and some work being outsourced.
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