Obituary of James Andrew Bates
Peacefully passed away at Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at 95 years of age.
He predeceased his wife Helen Doreen Bates (nee Gallaugher), father of Sharon Penty (David), David Bates (Cindy), and the Late Wayne Bates (Peggy). He will be missed by grandchildren Rebecca, Daniel and Michael Penty; Scott, Cameron, Matthew and Adam Bates; Lori and Michael Bates, and Brad and Megan Balske and great grandchildren Caiden, Trinity, James and Madelyn. Brother to Catherine Bullen, and the late Ted, Bill, Bob, Dorothy McKee, and Betty Massey.
Jim was born in Irricana, Alberta in 1925 and during the depression the family moved and started over on a family farm in Ontario. He was stationed during World War II in London England and returned and attended Queens University graduating in 1949 as a mining engineer.
His work as a mining engineer involved extensive worldwide travel and few areas of the world were unexplored by him be it desert, jungle, mountains and tundra. Always a thrilling storyteller, he would recount his adventures to the family in detail of the Amazon, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Australia, Uganda, Pakistan, Arctic circle and so many more. He has hiked the Inca trail, survived gunfire in his hotel and travelling to the airport in Pakistan and held at gunpoint in Brazil during the time he and Doreen lived in Brazil.
He and Doreen were able to enjoy living in their home in Sharon, Ontario until the last year. On February 12 they celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary.
An avid gardener his whole life, he has shared his passion for gardening with the family and in particular his daughter Sharon. When leaving the house in Sharon, he ensured that many of his garden shrubs and plants were passed on to family and today his prize Maple tree is out in bud on Matthew’s farm.
He has left us with much knowledge, many stories and fond memories and will be greatly missed.
A private funeral service will be held at Skwarchuk Funeral Home, Bradford (1-800-209-4803) on Saturday, May 8, 2021 followed by an interment at Alliston Union Cemetery.
Livestreaming of the funeral service will be available for family and friends on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 1 p.m. A link will be provided on this page Saturday, May 8, 2021,15 minutes prior to the service.
In Jim’s memory, donations may be made to Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
Online condolences may be made at www.skwarchukfuneralhome.com.