It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Garry Bates on October 9th, 2024. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Garry was born in Manitoulin Island, Ontario in 1942. He grew up in Chatsworth, Ontario and attended high school in Owen Sound, Ontario where he met and married his teen sweetheart, Loretta. They were married for 61 years.
Garry is survived by his wife Loretta, his children Lori Bates (Jack), Deanna Pacheco (Humberto), Todd Bates (Rachel) and daughter in law Anita Lundmark, his grandchildren Nicole, Andrew (Courtney) and Kristen Pacheco, Kaitlyn and Joel Bates, Skylar and Breanna Hart, siblings, Larry (Barb) and Marguerite (Gary) and numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws.
Garry received degrees from the Universities of Toronto and Waterloo and received his Masters’ Degree from the University of Ottawa. He began his long and illustrious career in education as a teacher then a principal in Toronto. He then became a Superintendent of Education in Ottawa before joining the Faculty of Education at the University of Ottawa. In 1980, Garry moved the family to Dryden where he became the Superintendent of Education with the Dryden Board of Education. In 1986 he became the first ever Director of Education in Ontario to be the Director of two school boards at the same time. He served as the Director of Education for the Dryden and Fort Frances separate school boards until his retirement in 1996.
For Garry, family was the most important thing. When the kids were young, camping and family time was on top of the agenda. In winter he traded his fishing pole for a garden hose to make sure the backyard skating rink was perfect. When it came to organized sports, he was ready to hit the road to watch Todd play hockey and never missed any of Deanna’s basketball games. When the grandchildren came along, there was no bigger cheerleader than Garry as he loved to watch his grandchildren compete in various sports like volleyball, gymnastics, hockey, figure skating, bowling and concert band concerts.
Garry was active throughout his life as he enjoyed fishing, camping, golfing, hunting and snow machining. He was equally active during his nearly 20 years in Mesa Arizona with Loretta as he always volunteered his time such as organizing Ladder Ball tournaments, all while making lifelong friends. He was also great with his hands as he could fix and repair just about anything whether it be plumbing, electrical or carpentry. Woodworking however was his passion as he was meticulous, making everything from rocking horses for the grandchildren to beautiful grandfather clocks.
Garry will be best remembered for his love of family and friends (and dogs), his sense of humor, his words of wisdom and compassion towards others. He was simply, always there!!
Condolences(9)-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Previous Horst Lang
Next Gerald Mazurski
Mary Stephens says
October 11, 2024 at 8:36 pmLoretta and family, so sorry to hear of Garry’s passing. Growing up in Chatsworth, I spent a lot of time at the Bate’s home as Marguerite and I were friends. Garry always was always around to observe. May memories of Garry bring you Peace!
John and Marilyn Carlucci says
October 12, 2024 at 11:31 amI am sorry for you loss – you will be in our prayers during this difficult time!
Rino Moretti says
October 12, 2024 at 7:36 pmWe are terribly sorry on hearing of Garry’s passing. Our condolences to the family.
Rino Moretti
LEO O'DRISCOLL says
October 13, 2024 at 10:24 amLoretta ,Lori, Deanna and Todd. We are so sorry to hear about Garry’s passing. Gary was a dear friend and neighbour for 30 years while we lived in Dryden. There are many fond memories of family dinners, get togethers, hunting and fishing. He will be dearly missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Leo and Sandy O’Driscoll
Tammi Ribey says
October 14, 2024 at 12:16 amSo sorry to hear of Uncle Garry’s passing. I always will remember my visits when you lived in Ottawa My sympathies to you Aunt Loretta and your entire family 💕
Lorie Davies says
October 16, 2024 at 10:00 amSo sorry to hear of Garry’s passing. Our thoughts are with the family.
Kimberley Bates says
October 18, 2024 at 1:39 pmGreg and I sending our thoughts and prayers to you all. Condolences through this heart breaking time.
Kathy Mann says
October 22, 2024 at 5:34 pmDearest Loretta and family, I was so terribly sad to hear this news. I just happened to be in Dryden last week Wednesday/Thursday and heard about this. I wished I had known sooner and I would have come to see you Loretta. I hadn’t been back to Dryden in 19 years! I may be back again next year. I will definitely look you up. My sincere condolences to all of you during this difficult time. I have so many memories to cherish from my time with him (his admin assistant) at the school board and they are all GOOD!! All my love to you and the family.
Michelle and Peter says
October 26, 2024 at 11:45 amPeter and I send you and your family our sincerest condolences with the passing of Gary. He was so helpful to our family during our father’s illness and he will always be remembered for his kindness. Gary was always cheerful and friendly. He will be missed by many.
Michelle and Peter
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the DRHC Oncology Dept. P.O. Box 3003, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z6
All Rights Reserved