Robert Earl Bates

Robert E. Bates (Bob) was born February 3, 1929 in Pierce County, Tacoma Washington to Earl J. Bates and Violet E. (Thompson) Bates. He died August 31, 2023 at St. Michael Medical Center Foundation in Silverdale Washington. Bob was the eldest of 15 children and graduated from Yelm High School in 1947. This is where he met the love of his life Rosella M. Otto (Bates). They were married on June 24,1950. They were married for 73 years and had 5 children: Dennis, David, Diane, Darrell and Darla. He was in the Coast Guard Reserve from 1951-1956. He started his wood fuel business which covered Jefferson and Clallam Counties when he moved to Jefferson County. He also dedicated himself to Jefferson County Fairgrounds, becoming President and building and repairing many of the barns. He led a group of volunteers that built the Jefferson County Little League fields which one is now named after him. He also umpired and worked the concession stand for East Jefferson Little League. He built the B&R Mobile Home Court in Hadlock, Washington for affordable family housing. Bob was also was passionate about family, hunting, and the Seahawks.