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Charles Theodore Bates Sr.
Charles Theodore Bates Sr.
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Charles Bates Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Vonda Vaden Bates
June 19, 2023
Yesterday marked the 11th year anniversary of beloved Yogiraj's transcendence. That is 4,015 days learning how to be waaaay more aware and present soul to soul. This El (how he referred to his soul) continues to teach me every day. May my listening be better each day to greet this miracle. Love you beyond beyond, your Vv
Donna
June 17, 2023
Yogiraj, while 11 years have passed since we were able to see and touch you, you are forever in our hearts and on our minds. We love & cherish you!
Our family is Blessed to have your precious Vonda living close now and it keeps you even closer to us.
sandra johnson
June 15, 2019
Ah, Yogiraj, remembering you today. Knowing that all is well and all will be well in the spirit of love.
Doug Anderson
July 3, 2018
1970 photo. Very beautiful. Holden Village.
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Vonda Vaden Bates
May 22, 2015
Now, the soul that created you as Charles, as Yogiraj Achala, guides this Vv in every moment. Thank you dear love for pointing out the way. The experiencing is exquisite.
Forever grateful, Your VvLove
Warp and Weft
Susan Christie
September 27, 2014
Charles saved my life. I have thought of him often over the past 40 years. I just looked for him tonight for the first time. He just appeared and said look for me. I am very sorry to have missed him here. Thank you so much Charles. I hope to see you again.
sandra johnson
September 4, 2014
Yogiraj,
one time with You, the Light inside came clear. Remembering with love,
Sandra johnson
July 24, 2014
Yogiraj, you are an ever present guide in my life still. We miss you more than words can express, but feel your love and presence every moment. Peace & Love, Mom (Donna)
with HH Swami Rama of the Himalayas
July 23, 2014
Connecting
Lance Eaves
July 16, 2014
There is no greater purpose in life than to be of service. Yogiraj is a perfect example of what it means "to serve". To you my friend I bow in humble appreciation for all you are. With love always,
Lance Parker Eaves
January 2, 2013
Monday night Paul & I celebrated NYE with friends in Branson, staying at the Timeshare that our family celebrated at on Dec 31, 2011. My heart and mind were filled with all of the wonderful memories from that night a year ago. Our family are so Blessed that Yogiraj was and always will be a part of Us. My incredible "larger than life" son-in-law is missed everyday, but will always be with me.
Peace & Love,
Mom
Cheryl Kartes
December 31, 2012
Dear Vv,
I am so sorry to learn of your loss and Yogiraj's passing. I remember meeting him several times, beginning in 1971-3 while he was at the Mpls College of Art and Design, later at Holden Village, later in the Reflective Leadership Center programs, and later again as Yogiraj. In all settings he was charismatic and larger than life. His wisdom was deep and broad. I can only imagine how profound his loss is for you and all of your and his family members. Blessings to you all as you keep his wisdom alive.
Patricia Reckrey
December 27, 2012
My condolences to you, Vonda. I did not know your husband but it is clear he is a man of great spirit. Blessings to you, lovely lady.
Melvin Hall
August 30, 2012
Perhaps 50 years ago, in the 3700 block of Preston Street, Rockford, Illinois, I watched Yogiraj Charles Bates leave to return to military service; it would be the last time I would see him. I was a young boy at the time, my worldview and self-identity were just in the formative stage, with so much yet to come.
Just last year, I reconnected with my old neighbor and began to learn the story of what he accomplished after he vanished from view those many years ago. I marvel but am not surprised by the bigger than life persona we celebrate in this memorial...I always saw him as grander than most, part of a family so full of talent.
To my dearest and oldest friends Lottie, Michael, Larry, and Oscean my sincerest condolences; and to Vonda and other members of the family (whom I hope one day to meet), I wish you the everlasting memories of a life well spent and freely shared.
I can now only add the influence of my old neighbor, by reading his teachings and examining his hopes for the world...it would have been so nice to be in his presence again, but I will cherish both the memories I have and the new ones to come. Blessings to all, and many thanks for continuing to share this wonderful legacy.
July 25, 2012
Vv,
You and Yogiraj made a huge impact on me during yoga teacher training. Thank you so much. I am honored to have spent time with him and you.
Namaste, Cat
Sharyn D
July 22, 2012
Blessings. You shine on Always?
July 16, 2012
My Precious Vonda, what a beautiful tribute to such a beautiful and loving man. I couldn't have asked more from a Son-In-Law than to love my Daughter as Yogiraj loved you. He brought to our family so much love, wisdom and peace, and he will always be with us as we cherish our incredible memories. The picture in my mind of him is he and Paul driving down our road in the Corvette, top down and he with his cool hat....off to pick up our take-out dinner and get a yellow cake mix so that I could fix him a fresh peach cobbler. In my mind's picture, he was "larger than life" as he truly was in his body. Although I'm 700 miles away baby, I hold you in my heart, thoughts and prayers always.
Peace & Love,
Mom
Vonda Vaden Bates
July 15, 2012
Yogiraj's Memorial Celebration is now online at his website. Thank you for your kind contributions to this guest book. http://www.10thdot.com/10th_Dot/Yogirajs_Tribute.html
Karis Thompson
July 5, 2012
Dear Vv and family,
So sorry to hear this news. Yogiraj left an incredible light and legacy.
Thinking of you with love,
Doris Ingber
June 28, 2012
Vv,
I cherish the time I spent with you and Yogiraj at "Pigs Eat Wolves" in Mexico. My thoughts are with you now.
Love & Light,
vanessa c
June 25, 2012
Love you all so much. He will light wherever he is.
Shannon S
June 25, 2012
Dear VV and family,
My thoughts are with you and yours in this time of loss. Although I did not get to spend much time with Yogiraj, his influence and grace are ever-present in you and will continue to be part of all he touched. Peace and blessings to you and yours.
solstice in egypt
Amy Ward
June 25, 2012
Nicole, Ananda, Ted, Lelah, Talia, Marisol and families, please know we are feeling your sadness and wishing you solace and you move through and with your grief. Sometimes there are no words, just feelings....feel and know we are here for you. Amy & David & Jean
Shirley Nelson
June 24, 2012
Dear Vv ~
Rashid and I extend our heartfelt prayers and condolences to you and your family. Yogiraj's memory is forever etched in our hearts bringing to mind rich and meaningful teachings, peace, love, and a wise and joyful Spirit whom we were blessed to be in his presence.
Love ~
Shirley & Rashid
Annalyssa Gypsy Murphy
June 24, 2012
Nicole and Ananda and the rest of the family, I am so sorry for your loss...my thoughts and heart are with you all...
Paula Ray
June 23, 2012
Dear VV,
My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and community at this time of terrible loss. I continue to be grateful for the times spent with you and Yogi Raj.
Paula Ray
Bob Milner
June 23, 2012
VV,
Love will keep you together forever.
With Love and wishes for Emerging Harmony,
Bob Milner
Lynn
June 23, 2012
Nicole,
You and your family have been and are in my prayers. His spirit is alive in you all.
Kristina Gooding
June 23, 2012
Vv,
This comes as a complete surprise to me... I am very thrown.
Thinking of all things good, that brightened your world, 2 amazing soles and people ever-connecting and knowing that bond will never be severed. The light and memories will sustain. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tanya Boigenzahn Sowards
June 22, 2012
Dear Vonda, I'm so saddened by the news and wish I would have had more time with Yogiraj. Sending light to you, his spirit and all of your connections... may this time be one of respect for the ties that bind our hearts together and for the blessings inside that allow us to let them go.
Candia Lea Cole
June 22, 2012
Dear Vonda, I'm so sorry for your loss. I trust that you and your beloved will forever be joined in spirit.
Alex & Allyson Grey
June 22, 2012
Dear V.V.,
Is it a coincidence that in this week's newsletter we included the purpose and beliefs of CoSM that you and Yogi Raj helped us generate? You two were among the first intrepid pilgrims to visit our sacred site. We light a white candle in honor of Yogi Raj and send you healing love.
Michael McKenna
June 22, 2012
Dear Vonda,
I feel sad to hear this news. I am sorry for your loss.
Bertha Buchanan
June 22, 2012
Home again, home again, the Master awaits your arrival.
Bertha Buchanan
Jeff Staggs
June 22, 2012
Vonda,
My heart goes out to you in this time of loss that we share with you! My heart is heavy with Yogiraj's passing. He is one of those people who have profoundly touched my life. I will miss his friendship and the times we might have shared.
As the days move on and your ongoing needs for support are clearer, know that you can call any time.
My love, prayers, and blessings go with you,
Jeff
Marilyn Veltrop
June 22, 2012
Dear Vonda,
My heart goes out to you during this time of immense loss. Yogiraj was such a magnificent being, and no one knows that better than you. I have precious memories of my connections with him over the years and continue to feel his divine presence in my life. Holding you and your loved ones in my heart and prayers...
With much love, Marilyn
Karen Kazsmer
June 22, 2012
Dear Vonda,
I was so sorry to hear of the unexpected passing of Yogiraj. I believe he was called home to do his work from the other side and will continue to be with all of you in your work here. I'm sending prayers of peace and comfort to you, your family and community. May your heart be filled with love and peace!
peace to you...
Barbara Parks
June 22, 2012
Dear Vonda,
I am holding you and family in my prayers and in my heart. The "we" of both Yogiraj and you has deepened my sense of eternal love and will live on through his passing.
Diana Turner
June 22, 2012
Vonda,
There are no words that adequately described the "we" that the two of you created, nor the impact of that resonance. I have no doubt that the "we" will remain and flourish in a different form. Blessings for all who mourn in that they may find joy. Yogi Raj is laughing even now...
Much love to you and your family and company of fellows!
Stephen Yogi Rueff
June 22, 2012
Vv and Family, My heart has and will always open when thinking of Yogiraj. This is the gift he has given me and I am sure many, many others. May you find peace in this difficult time of transition. Love to you. Stephen Yogi Rueff
Alana Bliss
June 22, 2012
Blessed are those whose beloveds celebrate the journey through the veil between the worlds and offer their gratitude, love, support, and joy to the soul making that journey. Let us revel in the beauty of his life, the gifts he shared, and the moments where our souls communed in this world. Let us celebrate his life, morn our loss with gentle hearts, and connect with loved ones. I love you both!
Lisa Proctor
June 22, 2012
Vonda,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your love for each other and all of life has been a beautiful blessing—and such a reminder that we are light, love and peace. And perhaps most importantly, that we are one. Much love to you and your family now and always.
Sherry Leveille
June 22, 2012
Dear Vonda,
What surprise and sadness at Yogiraj's passing! My heart goes out to you and family and many special friends. I regret that I did not spend more time in his energy, learning from him, but perhaps it continues.
De Milo Design Studio & Letterpress
June 22, 2012
Vonda,
I never met Yogiraj but he sounds like a wonderful person. All my prayers are with you today.
Love and strength to you, Annika Buxman
carin wilson
June 22, 2012
I will hold you both, the "we" of you, in my heart and spirit now and always.
I feel such love, sadness, and helplessness.
Yet great happiness is also present. How could it not be?! To have you both in my life is joyful.
I love you dearly.
Alice Marie De Prisco
June 22, 2012
Ohm Namahah. Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.
Dear Community of Lovers of Light
and for all those who cherish
Wisdom and Grace and Compassion,
Yogiraj is a most beloved mentor, teacher, great light and cherished friend, I wish to honor him
in every way. He is a great soul filled with compassion. My heart has no way to express the profound depth of gratitude, love and respect I hold for Yogiraj. I am grateful and hold precious the moments we shared together and the wisdom he imparted to me and to all he encountered.
Peace and blessings especially to Vv his beloved wife and life partner and his dear family.
Namaste Yogiraj.
Namaste to each of you.
Alice Marie
Robert Christenson
June 22, 2012
My deepest sympathy for you and your family. You are held in my meditations.
Robert Christenson
Lou Raders
June 22, 2012
We are so sorry to hear about Yogiraj's passing, Vonda. Our thoughts and hearts are with you.
Love, Lou Raders and Phil Johnson
Emily Barker
June 22, 2012
Vv, love you so much. Yogiraj will be in our hearts forever.
Pam from KFAI
June 22, 2012
Vonda, wishing love, warmth and strength to you and all loved ones.
Sheila
June 22, 2012
A great light, for a great light.
Yogiraj has been such a great blessing. My thoughts and prayers for you and your family and community. His presence and hugs will be missed!
Katherine Guettler
June 22, 2012
Vonda and family,
my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Such sadness for us here on earth, such joy for Yogiraj on his new journey.
Peace,
Katherine
Barbra Hopkins
June 22, 2012
The world will miss his great soul. I am honored to have known him.
Cat Thompson
June 22, 2012
While my logical mind knows that we are all energy, and that death is simply a passage, my heart cries at the loss of such a magical spirit. A truly blessed man, he will be missed by many.
Rudy Miick
June 22, 2012
I have no words, only breath. Blessings dear teacher...
As word goes out to the world of this loss of body, is there a lesson for us from those unable to attend the lovely services and celebration of his life? Miss him in body, his spirit and teaching is with us still, not diminished in any way.
Thank you family for sharing this man with us all.
Wade Quinton
June 22, 2012
Vonda,
I'm sorry for your loss, I pray for peace and comfort for you and your family.
Connie McKnight
June 22, 2012
Keeping you wrapped in prayer and asking Jesus to comfort you as only He can. Love, Connie
Jeanne Landkamer
June 22, 2012
Dear Vonda, you and your family are in my heart.
June 21, 2012
Dear family and friends, Though it grieves me to not be physically present at the services my spirit is engaged in remembrance throughout this difficult time. All blessings are due to a great spirit manifesting as husband, father, son, brother, and guru. What a remarkable life!
Willard David Crittendon, Pomo Crittendon, Doug Hales, Los Angeles, California
Brad, Kathleen, Frances, and Carsen
June 21, 2012
Nicole, Lelah, Talia, and Marisol,
We are surprised and saddened by the sudden passing of your dad/grandfather. We can guess that, because of how wonderful you all are, that he was a wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and all your family.
Beatriz DeSantiago
June 21, 2012
Nicole,
I am sorry to hear such news. May God send you peace and comfort on this difficult times.
Kathie Power-O'Brien
June 21, 2012
May the light of his love for you continue to both sooth your soul and inspire your life.
Theresa Johnson
June 21, 2012
Nicole, so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Doe Stowell
June 21, 2012
Vonda, please accept my sympathy. Doe Hauser Stowell
Mark Foley
June 21, 2012
My deepest condolences to Ananda and his family.
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