Obituary
Bruce Roger Bates, known affectionately to many as Butch. Born on the 11th of September, 1938, in the town of Renton, Washington, Butch was a beacon of selflessness and love throughout his 85 years on God's green earth. On the 14th of December, 2023, surrounded by the love of his kin, Butch Bates was called to his eternal rest in Klamath, California, departing this world due to natural causes.
Butch was a true family man, cherishing his first and only wife, Fern Bates, with a love that was a testament to his faith and commitment. Together, they raised a family that was a reflection of their love and values. Butch was a proud father to Ron, Richard, Vicky, Allen, Michelle, Lisa, Sonequa, and Jordan, and he was preceded in his journey by his children Bruce, Delray, Arthur, and Darren. His legacy continues through his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom carries a piece of his spirit. Butch was also a beloved brother, and we are blessed to still have two of his brothers, Mike and Terry Bates, and two of his sisters, Marjorie and Sandra, among us.
With an education that extended only to the 8th grade, Butch was a testament to the power of hard work and natural talent. He was a self-taught mechanic and carpenter whose skilled hands and strong work ethic made him exceptional in all his endeavors. His ability to fix and build was not just a career, but a ministry, serving others through the work of his hands.
Butch's heart was ever turned towards the Lord, and his involvement with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was a cornerstone of his life. He dedicated himself to spreading the gospel, living a life that was a sermon in itself. As the good book says, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Butch did indeed shine his light, illuminating the path for others to follow.
He was a man whose life was a living embodiment of faith, love, and selflessness. His presence was a comfort, his words a balm, and his actions a reflection of the divine love that he so fervently believed in.
The final journey for Butch will be carried out by those he has touched in life. The pallbearers, a representation of his influence across generations, will includeCoty Bates, Damian Escalera, Joe Bates, Lance Bates, Keith Ray, Manuel Escalera, Dave Bowdish, Kai Rainer, Kaiser Ray, Rylee RayRyan Ray, Ben Ray, Robert Ray Sr, Ronald Bates Jr, Mark Bates,Richard Bates Jr, Josh Myers, Chuhls Bates, Segap Bates, Jay Bates, Nik-wec Bates, Arlen Charles Jr, Raiy-ro Ramos, Angelo Frease, Anthony Aguilar, Poy-wuson Aguilar, Darren Ray, Robert Ray Jr, Nathan Feliz, Bruce Bates Jr, Arthur Bates Jr, Jeff Brittain, Merle Stevenson, John Donahue, Jordan Mendoza-Bates, Mike Jones.
In Butch's life, we saw a reflection of the Gospel's love and a mirror of the Savior's grace. As we bid him farewell from this earthly realm, let us not dwell on the sorrow of his departure but rejoice in the blessed assurance that he is now in the presence of our Lord and Savior.
As we lay Butch to rest, let us carry forward the light he has left in each of us, a light that will continue to shine brightly in the lives he has touched. May we hold fast to the memories, the lessons, and the love he shared with us all. Rest in peace and joy, dear Butch, until we meet again at Jesus' feet.