William "BIll" G. Bates
March 25, 1925 - November 15, 2011
Obituary
William G. (Bill) Bates
William (Bill) Bates was born March 25, 1925 and passed away on November 15, 2011 due to numerous medical problems. He was the 4th child born to immigrant parents George and Esther Bates of Seattle. After graduating from Franklin High School, Bill served in the Navy during WWII.
He was preceded in death by his 3 sisters Jenny Weymouth, Goldie Chatalas, Georgia Davis and his first wife, the mother of his 3 children Sharon Dahl, George (Michelle) Bates, and Steve Bates. He is also survived by his second wife Annette (Grace) Bates and her 3 sons Mark, Greg and Brad (deceased) Shell. He will be missed greatly by his nephews John, Bill (Sue), Bob (Renee) Chatalas, and his niece Diane (Dave) Mann. Bill also leaves behind 7 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Bills’ parents owned Bates Fish Market where he and his sisters worked for many years. After selling the family business, Bill and his father co-owned Happy’s Tavern in Seattle. When his father retired, Bill went to work for Brockway Glass Company for several years. After working for others he formed his own company Bill Bates Associates. He had a long and successful career as a manufactures rep for the hotel and restaurant industry.
Bill was an avid golfer and past member of both Rainier and Twin Lakes Golf and Country Clubs, where he made many friends.
The family would like to thank his long time friends Karl and Peggy Stahl for their help and support during Bills illness. Also, many thanks to the special people at Franciscan Hospice in Tacoma.
Funeral services will be held at Bonney-Watson, 1535 SW Dash Point Rd. Federal Way on Tuesday, November 22 at 1:00pm.
Remembrances may be made to Franciscan Hospice or your favorite charity.
Grace, my heart goes out to you
We are very sorry for your loss our Pryers go out to Grace and her family Bill will be missed.
George and Michelle and family – I am so sorry for your loss, I know your Dad is in a much better place and you will see him again one day. He is in very good company and may your heart be lifted that he had a great full life and is free of pain now..
i will miss you my friend.