Donald Bates

Donald Brooks Bates passed away at home September 11, 2024, ending his battle with dementia. He was the son of William Robert Bates and Maxine Hitchcock Bates Miltamore, and is survived by his children, William Bates, Patricia Bates (Marlene Kuzee), Barbara Kasper (David), and Teriena Schwartz; his grandchildren, Jonathon Kasper, Katherine Tennant (Andrew), and Christine Mistry (Hiten); his great granddaughter Vivian Tennant; his brother-in-law Richard Allen Kay (Deb); and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, brother Robert Bates, and sister-in-law Joan Kay Lupton.

Don was born in Detroit, MI where he met the "love of his life," Jean Kay, in 10th grade. After graduation he attended Otterbin College and Michigan State University. Before he began his service in the Army, he and Jean were married, and he was her husband for 65 years. Don had a warm smile and enjoyed making things fun and making people laugh. He was dedicated to the people around him – his neighbors, his friends, the people with whom he attended church, and most importantly his precious family. He enjoyed playing sports and was dedicated to watching his children and grandchildren playing sports as well. When he was not traveling around the world with family and friends, Don could be found with Jean spending wonderful summer days with people they loved at their family cottage on Upper Silver Lake. During the winter months, they spent much of their time entertaining friends in Sarasota, Florida. There are more memories than can all be shared here and his family is grateful for all of the wonderful moments, stories, and time shared together.

A special thank you to Amy Sullivan for the years she provided dedicated care to both Don and Jean. The quality of her service and the love she shared is appreciated beyond words.

Also surviving both Don and Jean is Alden Hansen. He was a loving presence in their lives, whether it was weekends at the lake, holidays, or the ever present "Thursdays with Alden." Don and Jean loved him very much.

There are plans for the Celebration of Life for both Don and Jean during the Summer 2025 at their Upper Silver Lake cottage.