David John Bates

David John Bates, beloved husband, devoted father, doting grandfather, loyal brother, and steadfast friend, passed away on August 23, 2025, in Baltimore, Maryland, and is now commended to God's loving care. He was 78 years old.

Born on December 5, 1946, in Melbourne, Australia, David was the son of Ian and Kathleen Bates. David is reunited with his loving parents, as well as siblings Christine Taylor and Philip Bates. His nephew Matthew Taylor and niece Narelle Richardson also preceded him in death. He is survived by his adoring wife of 44 years, Carol; children Emily Sullivan (Ryan), Ian (Kimball), Meredith Schaller (Chris), and Philip (Olivia); grandchildren Quinn, Lily, and Berit Sullivan, and Liam and Jane Schaller, with another grandchild due next month; siblings, Anthony (Sue) and Michael (Patty); and numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

As the eldest of five, David embodied an adventurous spirit and remarkable drive. In David’s teenage years, his father’s army posting in England gave the family the chance to travel widely throughout Europe, a formative experience that sparked a lifelong curiosity about the world and love of travel. From the late 1960s to early 1970s, David had an eventful stint in the wool buying business, followed by a position in the stockbroking field, where he was one of the youngest traders on the floor of the Melbourne Stock Exchange. Following his father’s posting at the Australian Embassy in Washington, D.C., David decided to leave Australia for the United States. He completed a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in economics from The George Washington University and an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Following his studies, he began a decades-long career at the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation in D.C., where his curiosity and ability to connect effortlessly with others found the perfect outlet in work that carried him around the world.

Upon retirement, David remained active in finance, serving on boards during pivotal times in their organizations’ histories. He served as Treasurer and board member of The Robert Trent Jones Golf Club and as Vice Chairman and Director of Shore United Bank. In addition, he was Chairman and CEO of Xtone, Inc., an emerging company in which he found great fulfillment in recent years. He also served as Chair of the Board of Trustees and on the Finance Committee of Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart; as a trustee of the Tidewater Inn in Easton, Maryland; and as a board member of the Washington National Opera, in addition to participating in numerous charitable organizations.

It was in Washington, shortly after his arrival, that David met the love of his life, Carol. Together they built a marriage rooted in joy, partnership, and devotion, and created a vibrant family life enriched by David’s time, energy, and limitless positivity.

An avid outdoorsman, David carried his love of nature from Australia to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, his favorite place on Earth. He spent the colder months pursuing waterfowl, whitetail deer, and the elusive sika deer. In addition to the hunt, he devoted much of his time and talent to wildlife and habitat restoration on the Eastern Shore. No matter the outcome of the hunt, he delighted in the splendor of each sunrise and sunset, treasuring every moment shared with family and friends in that beloved environment.

David was courageous, kind, gracious, and unfailingly polite. Known for his natural ease with all he encountered, he had a gift for making others feel at home, forging relationships that often lasted a lifetime. He was the consummate gentleman – affable, charming, and genuine – whose presence brought comfort and joy to all around him.

Above all, David delighted in his family. He loved being a husband, father, and grandfather. He was a devoted presence in his children’s lives, from coaching athletic teams to supporting them through every stage of life with his encouragement and steady guidance. Grounded in his Catholic faith, he lived with devotion, compassion, and a guiding sense of purpose. His love was not just spoken but demonstrated daily in gestures both significant and tender. His family and many friends will forever miss his ready smile, his boundless warmth, and the humble strength of his presence. David had a gentle spirit and unwavering kindness that touched every life he encountered. He leaves behind a legacy of love that will live on in all who knew him.

The family will receive friends on Friday, August 29, from 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. at Joseph Gawler's Sons Funeral Home, 5130 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 30, at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle at 1725 Rhode Island Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. A private burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in his name to St. Ann's Center for Children, South Hills Catholic Academy, or Easton, MD Volunteer Fire Department.