Benjamin F. Bates

05/29/2001

Benjamin F. Bates, 78, formerly of 35 Linden St., died Tuesday at Mount Greylock Extended Care Facility, where he had resided for three years. Born in Holyoke on May 28, 1923, son of Thomas E.W. and Jane H. Lowe Bates, he was a graduate of Pittsfield High School. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1942 and served overseas during World War II. He was discharged in 1946 with the rank of staff sergeant. Mr. Bates was employed by GE for 30 years in the bushings department. He was a member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church and an honorary member of the Friends of Wild Acres. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. His wife, the former Margaret Louise Alexander, whom he married Jan. 8, 1943, died July 4, 1996. He leaves two sons, Michael Bates of Westerville, Ohio, and Larry Bates Sr. of Miami; two daughters, Sandra Wheat of Pittsfield and Bonnie Wichman of Kure Beach, N.C.; a brother, Roderick Bates of Brainard, N.Y.; eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. The funeral will be conducted tomorrow at 11 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church by the Rev. David DeSmith, interim rector, and the Rev. Wesley Ross, pastor of Hope Church in Lenox. Burial will follow in Maple Street Cemetery in Hinsdale. Calling hours at WELLINGTON FUNERAL HOME in Pittsfield will be Thursday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to The Friends of Wild Acres, c/o the funeral home, 220 East St., Pittsfield, MA 01201.

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