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Richard Frederick Bates

4/4/2022

3 Comments

 
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    Richard Frederick Bates (Rick) passed away April 4, 2022 at his home in Skaneateles NY. He had a two-year battle with cancer that ended peacefully.  Rick was born on July 14, 1941, in Boston MA.  He spent first-grade attending school in South Bristol ME.  The family moved to Dorchester MA where he graduated in 1959. 
    While at Dorchester High School, he was a co-captain of the basketball team and high scorer for two years.  His love of basketball continued throughout his adult life.  He played full court at the YMCA into his 70’s. For his 70th birthday he treated himself to the Jim Boeheim Fantasy Basketball Camp where he competed against men half his age. Rick scored 8 points in their final game at the SU Dome.
    After graduating from high school Rick attended Suffolk University receiving his bachelor’s degree.   Following college, he enlisted in the Army and from 1964 to 1967 he was part of the Army Intelligence unit out of New Haven CT.  Once he returned to civilian life, he followed a career in human resources.  In 1967 Rick married Marylynn Swiman and they raised their two children Tracey and Fred in Walpole MA. 
    Rick met Maggie Culleton in Ft Myers, FL in 2005. They bought a home in Skaneateles NY, two years later. They spent winters in Florida and the summers in New York.  During his retirement, Rick took up golf and excelled in duplicate bridge.   He worked for the Minnesota Twins in their ticket office during spring training.  He became an avid Syracuse University sports fan and attended the Final Four basketball tournament in Atlanta. 
    Maggie’s family adopted Rick instantly, and he vacationed with them frequently.   The extended family traveled to France, Italy, Costa Rica, Belize and many places across the U.S.   Rick and Maggie visited Rick’s daughter in Dublin and his son in London and Buenos Aires as well.
    Rick is predeceased by his wife Marylyn and his parents Helen and Frederick Bates Jr.   In addition to Maggie Culleton, Rick is survived by his daughter Tracey Bates of Quincy MA, son Frederick Bates (Sarah) and grandchildren Alex and Melissa Bates of Coral Gables, FL, as well as his sister-in-law Toby Rapp Walsh of Woonsocket RI.
    At his request there will be no service. Contributions may be made in his name to your local animal rescue or SAVES ambulance.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

 
 

3 Comments
Paula
4/6/2022 02:37:16 pm

Rick was one of my cousins. We used to enjoy ourselves with the other cousins whenever we got together for the holidays. That was usually at our grandmother’s home. We also used to go to dances when we were young teenagers whenever we vacationed in Maine. Rick introduced me to the sounds of Little Richard. I am still a fan. He was a super cousin who was more like a big brother than a cousin. He will truly be missed. RIP, Rick! I love you, cousin!
Our deepest sympathies to Maggie, Tracey, and Freddy. 😢💔

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Toby Walsh
4/6/2022 03:18:25 pm

Rick was a big part of my life for over 55 years. He was my brother-inlaw and friend. Father to my niece Tracey and nephew Fred, two of my favorite people in the world. Uncle to my son, Jamie, who shared memories with him since he was born. Rick leaves a whole in my heart but also wonderful and warm memories.
He will be missed but not forgotten. Love you always❤😘

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Victoria Bates Murray
4/12/2022 08:04:00 am

Rick was a kind man. I did not get to know him as well as the older cousins but always felt a tie to him from our family get togethers at Nana Faiths home and others. Very quiet, he did not get upset that we all worshipped him, patient.
He loved South Bristol as did his parents and he went to first grade in South Bristol, ME, his dad had carpenter skills and did work on houses etc on the Island, Rutherfords Island, where our home is.
I last saw him last when he turned 75 years old and he and Maggie visited and we lunched at Coveside. He will be sorely missed.

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