Abiel E. “Bay” Westgate, Jr., 83, of Wareham died June 16, 2011 at home while surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Christine F. (Leavestrom) Westgate.

He was married to his loving wife for 61 years. He was the son of the late Abial E. Westgate, Sr. and Ellen (McWilliams) Westgate.

He was born in Wareham and lived there all of his life. He attended Wareham schools.

Mr. Westgate worked as a land surveyor in the area for many years before retiring.

He was a communicant of St. Patrick’s Church and a member of the Wankinquoah Rod and Gun Club. He loved freshwater fishing and photography. He was a talented artist and enjoyed painting.

Mr. Westgate was an avid Boston sports fan and an advocate for stray animals.

Survivors include his widow; 8 daughters, Ellen Ames and her husband Bradford of West Wareham, Jill Babin and her husband Michael of Wareham, Karen Magalhaes and her husband John of New Bedford, Crystal Adams of Rochester, Kim Dillingham and her husband John of North Dighton, Lori Fournier of Barrington, RI, Randi Hines and her husband Patrick of Barrington, RI and Joy Gomes of Rochester; 2 brothers, Terrence Westgate of Plymouth and Frank Westgate of Kingston; 8 grandchildren, Karl Ames, Kara (Ames) Pinto, Jacen Fernandes, Jayme Amaral, Erin Dillingham, Amanda (Gomes) Spinola, Ryan Adams, Caleb Hines; 7 great-grandchildren, Tyler & Dahlia Amaral, Ally & Katherine Pinto, Jayla and Jasmine Fernandes, and Julian Spinola. He was predeceased by his siblings, Jack McWilliams, Charles Westgate, Gail Beard, Roberta Nuthall, and Kathleen Westgate and his son-in-law, Russell Adams.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 25, 2011 in St. Patrick’s Church, 82 High St., Wareham. Burial will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Relatives and Friends are invited.

Visiting hours have been omitted. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to an animal shelter of one’s choice.  Arrangements are by the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham.  For directions and online guestbook, visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com.