LEN GATES

It is with great sorrow that we report that Len Gates passed away in April 2025. Len, who was a Fellow Member of the BSF, had given lectures on the topic of Herbs, Spices and their extracts at the annual BSF Flavourist Training Course run by Prof. Mottram since 2008.

Len was extremely knowledgeable, very modest and clearly enjoyed sharing his many years of experience with younger members of the Flavour Industry. His lecture was one of the most popular with the students.

Len Gates graduated from University College London with an honours degree in Chemistry. In 1973 he joined Pauls and Whites as a development chemist where he worked on savoury flavourings, Maillard reaction products, and synthesis of flavour chemicals. In 1979 he moved to the brewing industry, developing processing aids and brewing additives.

In 1988 he joined Lionel Hitchen Essential Oils.

Peter Hitchen, director of Lionel Hitchen Essential Oils writes,

“The Lionel Hitchen ( Essential Oil ) Ltd ( LHEO ) Co was sad to learn that one of its early Technical staff had died at the age of 73.

Len joined LHEO in 1988 and worked for the family business for over 20 years. He initially worked in the Quality Control Department and established tight specifications only approving the best quality Citrus, Spice and Herb Essential Oils. From the Quality Control laboratories he moved into the Instrumentation laboratory using the latest Gas Chromatography equipment assisting his colleagues in the Research & Development department.

After a few years gaining experience of the Raw Materials used in the Essential Oil industry he became the Quality Control Manager. LHEO was growing fast and standards within the industry were changing so Len’s role also encompassed Quality Assurance. 

Words that best describe Len from his colleagues are Knowledgeable, Meticulous, Reliable and with a Commitment to LHEO.

Outside of the company he joined in many social events including Barn dancing and was a member of the LHEO team that cycled from London to Brighton. He completed the course in exactly the time he set himself !!

It was during his time in the Instrumentation laboratory that he met Linda and where Chemistry was at its most acute.

The Industry will sorely miss Len who was an experienced and knowledgeable member.

Sincerely Peter Hitchen and all at LHEO”

Len was also a Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry and a member of their Essential Oil Subcommittee.

We send our condolences to Len’s wife Linda, family members and all that had the privilege to know Len.