Neal Bates

Neal is survived by his two daughters, Jeannine Bates (Gilbert) and Jodi Bates of Everett; his brother, Wallace "Wally" (Linda) Bates of Spokane; his grandchildren, Kelby (Miranda) Wagner, Jaxon (Melissa) Bates, Crystal (Michael) Stephens, Floyd (Ruby) Wagner, Jordan Bates, and Derek (Jacquelyn) Wagner; along with 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 69 years, Janet Bates (2022); his son, Jack Bates (2019); his parents, George and Ivy Bates; and his brothers, George Jr., Jack, and Wilfred.

Neal lived an extraordinary life and was deeply loved and admired by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of sharing a cup of coffee and conversation with him.

He was born on January 29, 1934, in Pasco, Washington, to George and Ivy Bates, the second of five boys. Throughout his childhood and teenage years, Neal enjoyed bird hunting and exploring the outdoors with his brothers and friends. One of his favorite hobbies was pigeon racing, where he tagged and sent his pigeons on long interstate routes from Washington to Oregon.

After graduating from Everett High School in 1952, Neal eloped to Coeur d'Alene with his high school sweetheart, Janet Skegrud, in 1953-beginning a marriage that would span nearly seven decades.

Neal began his career at Simpson Paper Company in Lowell (Everett) as a millwright, where he developed a strong mechanical skillset maintaining and repairing mill machinery. When the mill shut down, Neal took pride in the fact that he "didn't miss a day of work," quickly securing a position with Western Gear, where his expertise was highly valued. He went on to enjoy many years as a mechanic, taking great pride in the large fleet of machines he maintained and serviced.

One of Neal's proudest accomplishments was building his family home in Everett's Eastmont neighborhood. Over the course of three years, while working at the paper mill, he dedicated himself to constructing the home for his family. After long workdays, coworkers would often come by to lend a hand-something that spoke to the respect and friendship he inspired in others. Once completed, he moved his young family from Lowell to Eastmont. There, he and Janet raised their three children-Jack, Jeannine, and Jodi-while enjoying sweeping views of the Cascade Mountains that Neal cherished on clear days. Neal was well known and well-liked throughout his Eastmont neighborhood. He took evening walks every night, and neighbors would often greet him as they saw him pass by-simple moments that reflected the warmth and connection he shared with those around him.

Neal was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hand loading ammunition and target shooting. In retirement, he especially valued the time spent shooting with his son Jack in the Cascade foothills. He was especially proud of a remarkable shot he once made with his .44 magnum, hitting the bullseye from 100 yards using open sights-a story he never tired of sharing.

Neal enjoyed playing his harmonica up until his final days and rarely went anywhere without it. He often shared how, as a young man in the US Navy Reserve, fellow servicemen would ask him to play song after song during boot camp-one of their few sources of entertainment at the time. He carried that same spirit with him throughout his life, always asking others what they would like to hear and playing songs on the spot. He also loved telling the story of how his parents gave him his first harmonica as a boy, and how learning the three notes of "Old Black Joe" marked the beginning of a lifelong love of playing.

Neal was known for his warmth and hospitality. He welcomed guests into his home with a smile, a firm handshake or a hug, and made everyone feel at ease. He was deeply loved and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Family and friends who are unable to attend Neal's Funeral Service in person may click on the link below to view the memorial in real-time via livestream.

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