Frederick Fenton Bates

Fenton was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on October 26, 1934, the third of four children and only son of Cyrus Frederick and Ellen Clarissa Bates. He graduated from South High School in Salt Lake City, and attended the University of Utah.

He married the love of his life, Elaine Warthen, in December of 1956. Together they would raise a daughter and son, while sharing 67 yrs.

They both lived in NY from 1957-1959 while Fenton served in the US Army, stationed at Fort Hamilton, NY.

After returning to Salt Lake City and starting a family, Fenton had a long career as an electrical engineer, starting with his father’s company, Bates Engineering, eventually taking over as head of the company.

After partnering with other engineers in several larger companies over the years, Fenton settled into his own small engineering firm, Telen Associates, until his retirement.

When Fenton wasn’t working, he was still working - as a skilled craftsman, carpenter, and lover of DIY projects - able to fix or build almost anything. He was an avid vegetable gardener and maintained a large vegetable garden well into his mid-80s.

Fenton enjoyed camping and fishing with his young family, frequently taking their little travel trailer “off-road” to reach the best camping spots. Later on, camping on the family boat on Lake Powell became his favorite family pastime. After the kids were grown, Fenton and Elaine kept a beautiful flybridge cabin cruiser (his pride and joy) at Lake Powell, spending much of each summer on it for over 20 yrs.

Fenton was preceded in death by his older sisters Betty Salter and Geraldine Taylor. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Elaine, daughter Shannon (Thomas Callister), son Gregg, and grandsons Tom Callister and Talbot Callister.

After a small, private celebration of life, Fenton was laid to rest at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park in Salt Lake City, Utah.

We invite you to share any memories of Fenton, or sign the family’s online guestbook.