Ross Gary Bates

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ross G. Bates. Ross died peacefully on September 4, 2015. Born on May 16, 1950 in Los Angeles, California, Ross was the son of Doris and Milton Bates. Ross is survived by his beloved partner Jill Blakely, sister Julie Bates, daughter Lisa Decker, granddaughter Stella Church, and by a host of loving friends and grateful pets.

Ross was a gifted student, an It’s Academic and a National Merit Scholar. He graduated magna cum laude from his beloved alma mater UCLA, where he was a leader in Young Democrats and in the antiwar movement. Ross was a kind, humble, gentle soul, a faithful animal lover, a great storyteller, and a Jeopardy player extraordinaire. He was a loving father and grandfather, and a loyal friend.

Ross was a pioneer in persuasion mail and modern political consulting. His campaign and advocacy consulting firm developed strategy for clients ranging from local to Presidential campaigns, and included advocacy work for environmental and health causes. He began his career with Berman & D’agostino in Los Angeles, and then started his own consulting firm that evolved through time from Ross G. Bates Consulting, to BatesNeimand, to Bates & Mills, and back again to Ross G. Bates Consulting. Ross built strong professional relationships and earned a reputation as a talented, fair, humble advocate for Democratic candidates and causes.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, September 20, 2015 at Greenwood Memorial Park (350 Monroe Ave Ne Renton, WA, 98056). A celebration of Ross’ life will follow at the Woodmark Hotel (1200 Carillon Point, Kirkland, WA 98033). Additionally, there will be a memorial in Glendale California September 27, 2015. For information, please email [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary at

https://secure.bestfriends.org/page/outreach/view/personalFR/RossGBatesMemorial