Raymond Matthew Bates

Ray was born in East Selkirk to Matthew and Pearl Bates, the eldest of three children.

He spent his entire life in Winnipeg, graduating from the University of Manitoba with a BSc and BEd. He taught at Earl Grey and Kelvin High Schools before being promoted to Vice Principal at Sargent Park and Principal at Queenston and Gladstone Elementary Schools. His career was spent entirely with Winnipeg School Division #1. He was a devoted father and a dedicated educator. He was a kind and generous man.

He loved watching sports and was an enthusiast at Darren’s hockey and soccer games. Weekends at the race track were always a highlight.

He was predeceased by his parents and his younger brother Alan. He is survived by his son Darren, his daughter Lindsay and their mother Diane, sister Lorna Bates and her sons Kevin and Darryl (Pauline), Alan’s children, Matthew, Raymond, Dr. Alan Bates, and Larissa Bjornson, many cousins, great nephews, great nieces and his special friend Joey.

The family would like to express our thanks to Dr. C. Yaffe and the nurses and staff of 7 West and the staff of the Palliative Care Unit at St. Boniface Hospital for their comfort care.

Respecting Ray’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral. A private family memorial will be held at a later date.

“May the road rise up to meet you

May the wind be always in your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields.

Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand”

In lieu of flowers, friends may make a donation to a charity of their choice.