Thomas Bates

With sadness we announce the death of Thomas E. Bates (Tom) from complications of dementia on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at the age of 89. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 62 years, Margaret (nee Hamilton), his son Stephen (Monica Buza), and his grandchildren Victor and Bronwyn. He was predeceased by his dear son Douglas in 1979. He was also predeceased by his parents Angus Bates and Ada (nee Govenlock) Bates, his sister Dorothy McKee and husband Jay, his brother William (Bill) and wife Jessie, and his brother Robert (Bob). He is survived by his sisters Betty Massey, and Catherine Bullen (Fayne), his brother James (Jim) and wife Doreen (nee Gallagher), and Bob Bates' wife Myras Becker. Missing him are his nieces and nephews and their spouses, as are his brothers-in-law George, Michael, and Robert Hamilton and his sisters-in-laws Mimi, Eleanor, Irena, and Joanne.

Born in 1926 on a ranch near Irricana Alberta he grew up on a farm near Shelburne ON. Just short of finishing high school he signed up for military service with the war ending before he went overseas, but service opened a door to the University of Guelph that set Tom's course for life. He discovered Marg, the love of his life at university, found summer work at a research station that set his path to becoming a professor of Soil Science at OA.C. He took up running on the cross-country team and formed a bond of friendship with his Ontario Agricultural College '51 classmates that lasted his life. After graduation, Tom worked in Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) on tobacco production research from 1951 - 58 during which time he completed a MSc and then proceeded to a PhD at Iowa State University. He joined the OAC in 1961 as a faculty member in soil fertility carrying out research, teaching and extension for 30 years and on retirement followed by 15 years of consulting.

Tom's passions were creating a truly beautiful garden and taking part in outdoor activities - cross-country skiing, running marathons, biking, curling, camping, and canoe trips. Tom was a member of Harcourt Memorial United Church and was a keen volunteer both at the church and in the broader community including the Crisis Centre, Welcome In Drop-In Board, Family Counselling and Support Services Board and OAC year 51 committee.

A full life well lived; loved, missed and remembered by family, friends, students and farmers for his passions, his ability and his caring for others.

Visitation will be held at the Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon St., Guelph, on Friday, April 15, 2016 from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at Harcourt Memorial United Church, 87 Dean Ave., Guelph, on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 2 p.m. with refreshments to follow. If you wish, as expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to Welcome In Drop-In Centre, 23 Gordon St., Guelph, ON, N1H 4G9, or Harcourt Memorial United Church, 87 Dean Ave., Guelph, ON, N1G 1L3, or to charity of one’s choice. Donation cards are available at the funeral home (519-821-5077) or condolences may be left online at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com.

A Memorial Service will be held at Harcourt Memorial United Church, 87 Dean Ave., Guelph, on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 2 p.m. with refreshments to follow.