John Bates
August 16, 1928 - January 30, 2025
Funeral Details: At his request, there will not be a service. Dad will be cremated and his ashes combined with our mom’s upon her passing. Then we will spread their ashes according to their wishes.
It is with great sadness that the family of John Bates announces his passing, on January
30, 2025 the age of 96.
Left to mourn his passing are his loving wife and partner of 67 years, Dorothy; children
Christine, Joanne (Tom) and Karen (Bryan); grandchildren, Jacqueline (Blair), Caralynn
(James), Cameron (Lauren), Matthew (Rachel), Alyssa and Michael; great-grandchildren,
Tobias, Payton, Rowan, Weston and Linken; niece Kerri; and extended family and dear
friends.
John was born in Stoke-on-Trent, England. He proudly served in the RAF as an airplane
mechanic. He then came to Canada in his 20's with a good friend Ben Thompson to start
a new life. John worked hard and held many jobs. Most of his education was self-taught,
and he was always working with precision on machinery. His plastic injection moulds
were used on many packaging assembly lines. One of his fondest career
accomplishments was his role in the move of a large bridge in Downtown Toronto while
working for Lackie Brothers.
He met the love of his life Dorothy, at one of his jobs with DRML in Downsview.
They married and went on to have three children.
John was a talented artist. He sketched pictures with ease and gave all his daughters
framed pictures as keepsakes. After retirement, John and Dorothy moved to Muskoka
John became active in the community as a golf member and curler. His claim to fame
was an 8 ender that his curling team achieved one season. His other retirement passion
was gardening, he was well known in the neighbourhood for keeping a beautiful garden.
He loved plants and was always puttering in the soil. He often remarked that he never
could have imagined having such a beautiful home in Muskoka. He was very grateful.
When the time came to move to a retirement home, John and Dorothy picked one in
Barrie which was central to the children. The staff at the Waterford always had a kind
word for John.
He loved classical music, and in his last days, it was that music that soothed him.
The past 11 months he has been a resident of Grove Park Long-Term Care Facility.
The staff there are some of the best in the business, and were always caring, cheerful and
helpful. They made his last days, good ones.
To best remember John/Dad, please raise a glass to him (his drink was scotch) and toast
his good, long life.
Christine Bates
Posted on: Monday, February 3, 2025I really miss you every day Dad. I lost my Rock, my Advisor and my Guiding Light. This is difficult not being able to talk to you. I know it was your time and I know you didn’t like being in a wheelchair. You told us last Monday you will be dancing in heaven. Until we meet again, please keep on dancing. Love and hugs, Christine ❤️ xo
Kerri Webb
Posted on: Tuesday, February 4, 2025A kind, loving and fun Uncle. Although I am miles away in the UK, I shall miss John terribly, especially his beautiful hand written letters and little drawings, he could always make me laugh, even when times were difficult. I am pleased he is at peace now and I hope he is causing mischief and dancing in heaven. I hope to see you again one day. All my love Kerri. XX
Hugh Fisher
Posted on: Saturday, February 8, 2025Johnny was my mentor many years ago. Long conversations about everything from turbines to cricket to gardening. Always fun, informative. He was a welcome guest in our family home for many years. So pleasant such a gentleman. I remember his gentle sense of humor, his quiet delivery and above all else a twinkle in his eye that I haven’t seen before or since. I’ll remember him always, miss him forever.
Mervyn Fernandes
Posted on: Sunday, February 16, 2025So sorry for your loss.
Reception
Posted on: Wednesday, February 19, 2025Very Sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Bates. I met Mr. Bates through one of my best friends Christine (her Dad). When I had acute appendictis it was Mr. Bates that drove the car to Branson Hospital in one of the worst snow storms of all time in 1971. I was very super sick and he got me and my grandmother there safely. Also remember Mr. Bates at Christine’s wedding and he was great.
My sympathy to the whole family.
Love, Carolyn
Carolyn Johnston
Posted on: Wednesday, February 19, 2025Very Sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Bates. I met Mr. Bates through one of my best friends Christine (her Dad). When I had acute appendicitis it was Mr. Bates that drove the car to Branson Hospital in one of the worst snow storms of all time in 1971. I was very super sick and he got me and my grandmother there safely. Also remember Mr. Bates at Christine’s wedding and he was great.
My sympathy to the whole family.
Love, Carolyn