Alfred J. Bates

LEWISTON: Alfred “Al” John Bates, 85, of Auburn passed away Saturday at Marshwood Nursing Home in Lewiston. He was born on December 20, 1929 in Greene a son of the late John and Evelyn (Poole) Bates. He attended Greene and Monmouth schools. After school, Al worked for Allied Control in Connecticut until 1961 when he came back to Maine. He then worked for Ralston Purina for 10 years and during that time, in April of 1962, married Betty Barton and the two started a family together. Al retired in 1995 after 28 years of service for Auburn Motor Sales (now Rowe). He is survived by his loving wife Betty of 53 years, his daughter Mary (Bates) Dawkins, whom he loved dearly, and her husband Maurice Dawkins, Sr. He also leaves behind his grandchildren; Maurice Jr. and Dominique, who meant the world to him as well as his brothers Russell and his wife Lois, Bernard and his significant other Janice and Carl and his wife Marilyn along with many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Marion Blaisdell and her husband Ervin and a brother, Walter and his wife Esther. The family wishes to thank all the folks at Marshwood for their tender loving care that they gave to Al. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.thefortingroupauburn.com

Visiting hours will be held at Fortin\Auburn on Saturday June 20 from 2-4pm. A graveside service will take place on Monday June 22 at Valley Cemetery in Greene at 11am. Those wishing, in lieu of flowers, may make a charitable contribution in Al’s memory to: Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice 15 Strawberry Ave. Lewiston, ME 04240. Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin Group / Plummer & Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services 217 Turner St. Auburn, 783-8545