It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of DONALD ROSS BATES at noon on Saturday, September 28, 2024 surrounded by his family.

Don was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on July 11, 1937 to Bill and Muriel Bates. Don received his early education at Mountbatten and then Glenlawn Collegiate in St. Vital.

His love of cars came early in his young life. At the age of 7 when he visited his Grandpa Coleman in Holmfield he spied his Grandpa’s 1934 Ford in the garage. His Grandpa seeing the admiration in his young face told him to come back when he was 16 with $100 and it was his. He did driving it proudly back to Winnipeg on his 16th birthday to Jean for a cruise. His love of unique, one of a kind vehicles remained his lifelong love and hobby. This grew to include unique motorcycles which he rode until he was 85, snowmobiles and finally a diesel motorhome which all needed to be clean and shiny.

Don also loved new experiences. At 17 he hired on with the government to drive a truck in the northern Atlantic on the D E W line. Returning from this adventure he and a school chum travelled to BC to try their hand at logging where he was a choke setter for the summer months. Returning to Winnipeg in the fall he hired on with the CNR, at first as an assistant station agent. In 1959 he trained in Carman, Manitoba to become a station agent. After his daughter was born, he bought a small trailer to travel to relieve agents in the Prairie region.

In 1965 he bid on Kakabeka Falls and got his first permanent agency It was here his two sons were born and his 3 children received their education.

Upon retirement in 1992 he and his longtime sweetheart bought a motorhome, sold their country home which he with the help of family and friends built, and travelled throughout Canada, US and Mexico, wintering in the South and spending summers with family in Canada.

Don leaves to mourn his schoolgirl sweetheart, Jean of 66 years, his daughter Dawna, sons Derek (Lindsay) and Clint (Diana). His grandchildren Trevor and Taiya Ahola, Matthew, Elly Jade and Alexi Bates and Tyler, Sophie and Paige Bates. His great-grandchildren Tony Ahola, Delta Hinds and Olivia and Floralie Bates. His brother Glenn (Barb) and sister Carol (Tom).

Don was predeceased by his parents, his brother George and son-in-law Terry Ahola.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday October 25 at 2:00pm, at Pleasant Valley Funeral Home, 4303 Pleasant Valley Road, Vernon.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your charity of choice.