Bates, Robert Edward
Robert E. Bates, proud and devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, who loved and lived life to the fullest, passed away at home at the age of 82, on September 3, 2013 surrounded by his beloved family.
Bob was born on March 1, 1931 to Henry Jocelyn and Martha Linderman Bates in Sacramento, California. He was the youngest of three, after Mary Helen 'Mimi' and Richard Jocelyn 'Dick.' Following graduation from McClatchy High School in 1949, Bob was honored as a legacy to attend the University of California Berkeley and pledged Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity. His education was interrupted by four years service in the US Air Force including a year as a fighter pilot in Korea. He graduated from Cal with a business degree in 1956 and began his long and successful career as a stock broker with his father at Elworthy & Co. Bob so loved his work and his clients that it was difficult for him to think about retiring. Due to the sudden advancement of multiple myeloma, Bob finally retired from Morgan Stanley on February 1, 2013.
Jackie, his beautiful wife of sixty years, was the love of his life. The first time he saw her at age 17, he knew she was the one for him. Bob and Jackie married on February 16, 1953 and were blessed with four children, nine grandchildren, and a life together filled with love and devotion.
Bob was a devout and active member of the church his parents co-founded, All Saints Episcopal Church. He was a dedicated Cal Bear, attending Cal football games his entire life including 68 Big Games. Bob and Jackie enjoyed many trips across the US and Europe. Everywhere they traveled, they developed life-long friendships. His greatest passion was being in the mountains. He was an avid back-packer, hiking most of the John Muir and North Cascade trails. He loved the Kandahar Ski Club and the Starr Trekk's to ski resorts in the High Sierra, Rockies and Alps.
He was very active in the community, serving on the Boards of the UC Davis Foundation, the UC Davis Medical Center Leadership Council, Kandahar Ski Club, the Grandfather's Club, Sutter Club, Sutter Lawn Tennis Club, the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California Endowment & Trust, the Children's Receiving Home of Sacramento, the 20-30 Club #1, the UC Men's Club of Sacramento, CAL Alumni Association, the California Grid Club of Sacramento, and the UC Alumni Club of Sacramento. He was a longtime member of the UC Scholarship Committee of Sacramento, the UC Haas School of Business Alumni Association, the Sacramento Pioneer Association and the Society of California Pioneers. The California Grid Club honors his father, who played football at Cal for Andy Smith, by annually awarding the H.J. 'Tiny' Bates Memorial Trophy to the best player from the Northern Sacramento Valley.
Bob is survived by his wife, Jackie, their children, Jocelyn O'Brien (Patrick) of Portland, Oregon, Thomas Bates (Karen) of Sacramento, Carolyn Younger (Lance) of Sausalito, and Leslie Lagomarsino (Brad) of Orinda, and their grandchildren, Alexandra, Bridget and Tessa Helgerson, Elizabeth, Madalyn and John (Jack) Bates, Henry Younger, and Ella and Robert (Bo) Lagomarsino, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews.
The family requests that any remembrances be made to All Saints Episcopal Church, 2076 Sutterville Road, Sacramento, CA 95822 or Children's Receiving Home of Sacramento, 3555 Auburn Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95821.
Family and friends are invited to the Funeral Service, Thursday, September 12, at 11am, All Saints Episcopal Church. Remembrances may be made at gormleyandsons.com.
