It is with great sadness that the family of Harold R Bates announce his passing October 3, 2021. He lived a fulfilling 86 years, born in German NY and then a long time resident of Norwich, over 75 years. He will be forever remembered by his loving wife Evelyn Sawyer Bates whom he shared 65 years with.
He will also be dearly missed by his three children, Brenda (Ki) Choe, Timothy Bates, and Diana (Doug) Jones Jr.; his sister-in-law, Helen Sawyer Bates, his special niece, Kelley Lea Bates (Root), 10 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, George Bates and Hazel Bates Lewis; his siblings, Christina Perkins, Henry Bates, Betty Stevens, Evelyn Graves, G. Donald Bates and Wilma Grey.
After graduating from Norwich High School, Harold began his employment at the local O&W Railroad before moving on to Norwich Eaton Pharmaceutical as a Machinist. He became a member of the Quarter Century Club and retired after 38 years with the company. Harold and Evelyn loved traveling through 49 of the 50 states, mostly in their RV, with family and friends. Only missing Louisiana. They were also snowbirds for the past several years escaping the cold in Dade City FL.
A memorial service for Harold will take place at 2:00 pm on Sunday, October 10, at R.J. Fahy Funeral Home, 116 N. Broad St. Norwich, with Pastor Mary Rublee officiating. Burial will follow at Westview Cemetery in German. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 1:00 pm until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Harold’s memory may be made to the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org or the American Heart Association at www.heart.org/aha/donate