Bennitt Eric Bates

Devoted father, beloved husband, son, brother and loyal friend, Bennitt Eric Bates passed away on Monday, September 25, 2023. Born on July 11, 1968, in Joliet, Illinois to Elbert “Rick” and Karen Bates, Ben was the youngest of three sons.

Throughout his youth Ben swam for the Joliet Jets, a competitive swimming club, which created the foundation of his love of swimming and, most importantly, was the basis of many lifelong friendships. He graduated from Plainfield High School in Plainfield, Illinois.

Adventurous at heart, he went on to attend college 1200 miles away and swim at the University of Florida. His college years ignited his passion as a Florida Gator. Ben dove into another group of loyal lifelong friends from the swim team. He graduated with two degrees before he moved to New York City to work at several top advertising agencies.

When Ben decided to pursue his MBA, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee to attend Vanderbilt University. While there, he was also lucky in love when he met his future wife Lynn Hobeck.

They moved to Sarasota, Florida in 2004, where he started his career as a realtor for Coldwell Banker Downtown. Ben and Lynn married in 2005, welcoming their daughter Ellen in 2012. She was the light of his life.

Ben served as an active member and volunteer leader of St. Armands Key Lutheran Church. He was a committed member and past president of the Rotary Club of Sarasota and loved to volunteer as the elf at the Sarasota Farmer’s Market downtown during the holidays. He was also a past president of the Sarasota County Gator Club. Even during last Saturday’s game he was cheering, ‘It’s great to be a Florida Gator!”

Through his real estate career, Ben was proud to help others discover the joys of living in our vibrant community. He loved Sarasota and the many communities he and his family have been a part of. Just this past weekend, he was planning his next fishing trip and a walk on the beach.

Those plans were intentional and bittersweet as Ben and his family were just beginning to process a devastating cancer diagnosis. Despite receiving wonderful care at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Ben passed away while hospitalized as part of his treatment.

Ben is survived by his wife, Lynn, and his daughter Ellen; brothers Robert (Paula) and Thomas (Heidi); and mother Karen. He is preceded in death by his father Elbert “Rick.”

Ben was always willing to lend a hand, gracious in conversation with friend, foe or stranger, and quick with his clever wit.

Ben will be cherished and remembered forever by his wife "Lynnie," daughter Elle, his loving mother and brothers, their extended family, his childhood friends, his Rotary colleagues, friends in faith, and fellow Gators.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church, 40 N Adams Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ben’s honor to St. Armands Key Lutheran Church Foundation and the Rotary Club of Sarasota Foundation.

For online tributes, please visit www.rtsfunerals.com or www.wiegandbrothers.com