Larry Patrick Bates of Kamloops British Columbia passed away on Sunday April 05,2020 at the age of 65 years old. After months of struggling with quadriplegia he died peacefully on his own terms at Royal Inland Hospital with his wife Ellen and son Michael by his side.
Larry was born March 14,1955 in Flin Flon, Manitoba to Stanley George and Irene Mary Hannah (Dufily) Bates. As a boy he lived within the city of Flin Flon but spent many happy years at the family cabin on Lake Athapapuskow.
As a young man he learned to work hard and take on whatever job was necessary to support himself. He worked at Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting company, a garage and helped his father with carpentry jobs among other things. Larry started his electrical ticket in Manitoba and completed it in Alberta where he found work as an Electrician.
In 1977 Larry met Laurie Carey in Edmonton, their son Michael was born in 1979 and Larry and Laurie were married shortly after . The early years were difficult financially, Larry and Laurie made some tough choices in those days including leaving their home in Edmonton and moving to Logan Lake where Larry found work at the Highland Valley Copper mine, eventually working his way up to the position he retired from in 2017, General Foreman of the Electrical Department.
He is predeceased in death by his parents, Stan and Irene (Dufily) Bates; his first wife Laurie (Carey) Bates who succumbed to cancer in March of 2005 and his brother Barry who passed away in 1998.
Larry met his wife Ellen in November of 2007 and they were married December of 2008. Both Larry and Ellen enjoyed riding their motorcycles, golfing and camping together. Larry was an introvert that loved to socialize, a man of few words but many friends. He cultivated many friends over his 65 years and he worked at staying in touch with most, it was not uncommon for him to pick up the telephone and call a friend or brother Ron.
Mr. Bates is survived by his loving wife Ellen (Hansell) Bates of Kamloops BC; his son Michael Bates, daughter in law Danielle (Guillou) Bates, granddaughter McKinley and grandson Bareck of Logan Lake BC. Stepdaughter Toni Anderson, son in law Mason Richard and grandsons Logan and Wyatt Richard of Fort McMurray AB. Stepson Taylor Anderson and his wife Drew (Stoney) Anderson of Grand Prarie AB. Sister Linda (Bates) Redman, brother in law Brian Redman, their son Jaron and daughter Jamie. Sister Karen (Bates) Lachance, brother in law Brian Lachance and their daughters Courtney and Rochelle. Brother Ron and sister in law Veronica (Carriere) Bates and their daughters Kayla and Brittany Bates. Fondly remembered by his many cousins, extended family as well as many wonderful friends.
Larry enjoyed hockey, music, golfing woodworking, his garage nights with friends and he also had a love for vintage cars and trucks.
Larry was a tough guy with a soft spot for his pets. He was a strong, proud and good man. He is loved and will be missed by many!
A funeral service will be held at the Logan Lake Community Church, Reverand Steve Filyke presiding, date and time TBA. Followed by the first annual Larry Bates Memorial Golf Tournament to be held at the Meadow Creek golf course in Logan Lake.
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