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Bill Bates Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Bill Bates
Daniel Schwerdtfeger
September 22, 2022
Condolences to wonderful Bills family.
I had the unlikely experience of spending 10 days aboard an old rusty cargo ship in Fiji mid 90,s with Bill
We battled a vicious cyclone and Bill illustrated the whole journey .Rutu Kamassi offered Bill a choice of 4 villas on remote islands as a gift the boat trip was to decide which one
He was an amazing fellow , enjoyed his friendship and would love to see the picture he drew on our cyclonic trip
Kind regards
Daniel
john saleh
December 14, 2019
rip bill ...no one rang the bells like you at immaculalte conception...tyler tx 1940's
Ken Cooper
February 14, 2010
I had searched for Bill for years, and only today (Feb.14,2010) did I find him, but very sadly, too late. Bill and I were artists in the Air Training Command's Special Services while in the Air Force at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, during the Korean War years in the early fifties. Even in those early years he was already a superb, accomplished artist in any media, oils, etc. Together, we created endless multi colored posters via the silk screen process for Hollywood shows and other activities on the Base, as well as all manner of charts, etc. for military briefings and offices. In addition, Bill would draw charactertors of all manner of people and hang them in the Special Services Center where we worked for all to see. Also, he repeatedly drew and published, in the Base newspaper, humorous military cartoons that depicted military life on the Base. He was also extremely funny, giving me some of the most gut wrenching laughs I had ever endured at that time. Once, we also took a weekend together and drove down to Austin to visit his frat brothers at UT. It became obvious to me while there that he had been and extremely popular student on campus. We lived in the same barracks, ate in the same mess hall and worked together in the same room in the Special Services Building on Base for about two years: That is, until one day I was picked out of the blue and shipped, alone, to Korea during the war to do Top Secret work in Advanced Headquarters. I never saw nor heard from Bill after that
December 28, 2009
My parents bought two of his lithographs while on a cruise to Fiji in the 1970s. I just today went looking for information about the artist on the internet and came across this obituary. I'm sorry I didn't know who he was sooner, and am sorry for your loss.
Peter Boynton
December 28, 2009
My parents bought two of his lithographs while on a cruise to Fiji in the 1970s. I just today went looking for information about the artist on the internet and came across this obituary. I'm sorry I didn't know who he was sooner, and am sorry for your loss.
Anita Coolidge
September 20, 2009
Blessings to Bill's family -- he was such a humorous and loving presence. I met Bill while working at the Phoenix Shop 2004 to 2007 and so appreciated his caring and his art. I was so impressed with the fact that the community of Carmel absolutely opposed taking his cartoons down in the post office. Yesss! He does live on through his work, and I wouldn't be surprised if his spirit is still hanging around, as well. Sending up prayers for his family and friends. Thank you, Bill, for all the gifts you gave by your presence here.
July 14, 2009
I unexpectedly met Mr. Bates at a terribly boring event; he came up to me, talked with me, had one of his magazines, signed it and I have cherished it since. I am sad that such a wonderful person in our community is no longer with us, but his family should be proud of the many memories he left through his wonderful
books and writings. Pat Coniglio
P.S. The boring event became a memorable occasion for me due to meeting Mr. Bates.
Don Powers
June 22, 2009
Bill was a fraternity brother of mine in the Sigma Chi Fraternity at the University of Texas. Bill had an infectious sense of humor and was loved by all of his brothers while at UT. His creativeness contributed so much to our memories of our time together. All honor to his name.
Betty Briggs TJC Alumni Director
June 19, 2009
Dear Family and Friends of Bill Bates, We were luck to have Bill (Billy Bob) during his early years...at Tyler Junior College (in Tyler,TX) he was a Cheerleader, on the newspaper staff, voted most talented boy and created our cheerful Apache Indian caricature which our College used for over 40 years! Many, many alumni still remember that happy, smiling face. He left an impact on our College that has lasted over 60 years. I got to visit with Bill briefly a couple of years ago when he came back to Tyler for his 60th high school reunion. He looked wonderful and was so happy. He lived a great life and he will be missed but not forgotten.
Barry Jenkins
June 18, 2009
I remember Mr. Bates[Bill} first;as a good family friend, then as a teacher [I, too, also had cartoon lessons from one of the best...]. I also remember Bill creating outstanding charactures of my Father[Jim],my Mother[Mary],my brother[Frank],and of myself. I still have that characture in a box, and as a tribute and memorial, I WILL put it back up on the wall where it deservedly belongs...We'll see you later Bill...
Barry Jenkins
Stephanie Taylor
June 14, 2009
Bill Bates was such a part of our peninsula community that he can never be truely gone. His memories grace Carmel-the post office and his lovely restaurant. I remember meeting him about town and seeing his lively sign/art in Trader Joes. We will always hold you in our hearts. Rest well.
Stephanie Taylor and Dan Presser
June 12, 2009
Dear Lei Lei, oh how I know your sadness. I lost my husband on May 11-
Bill and Tommy were back-to-back in the
Pine Cone. Now, we both must carry on,
not dwelling on the sadness, but remembering all of the wonderful moments we shared with our husbands.
God will give you strength and peace.
Most Sincerely, Joanne Baker-Oakes
Marija Dail
June 6, 2009
Thank you, Bill, for letting us enter the "Inner sanctum" of cartoonists. And you were and still are one of the best of them!
You will never be forgotten...
Mary Davis
June 2, 2009
Dear Lei Lei and Chelsea: My last rememberance of Bill was at my dear Anneka's memorial service- when he gave us all something to laugh about. Thank you for caring for us all, Bill. He is only a thought away.
with much love,
May 26, 2009
I met Bill in 1988 in Carmel. Loved his work. My condolences to the children that I met: David and his sister, Kim and Jason, Oliver and William. My prayers are with Chelsea Mei and her Mom.
God Bless, M. Johnson
Deb Allred
May 26, 2009
Mr. Bates gave us so much humor and laughs; as the owner of two cartoons and one book of cartoons...I appreciated his eye on Carmel, and will continue to look at them with a chuckle. A sincere thank you Mr. Bates!
Dan Presser
May 25, 2009
Bill was one of a kind. We will miss this warm, happy, funny guy. Adios, dear buddy.
Carol Lancaster
May 25, 2009
My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to you and your family. Bill will definately be missed. He touched so many. I'll miss his warm smile and interesting stories when he came in to drop off cartoons at the Herald
May 24, 2009
Please accept my condolences for your loss. May God grant you the peace that excels all thought as you go through this season - Philip. 4:7.
Judy and Steve Doby
May 24, 2009
Through the years we have always enjoyed the work of Bill Bates, been inspired by his wit, intelligence, irony and humanity. As longtime devotees of political cartoons, we join the many who mourn the loss of this world-class artist. As a local teacher, one knew the fun of having Bill, a tall, friendly, talented guy, enter a classroom and create the cartoon world in a few minutes on whatever blackboard was available, hopefully inspiring others to approach issues in a creative, non-threatening way. Bill seemed, as attested to in these legacies, always happy to spend a few minutes with any admirer, to sign a copy of his artwork or to discuss whatever topic might come up. He showed us ALL: patrons, tourists, hotel owners, construction workers, cooks, politicians, fellow artists and himself in a humorous but apt light. His light will always be here.
Love to family,
Paula (Anita) Walling (Alan)
May 24, 2009
Dear Lei Lei and Chelsea,
How heartbreaking to lose your dear Bill! Your extraordinary devotion and sacrifice kept him with us and kept all of us hoping he could return home. My thoughts and prayers go to Oliver and William, too. Bill adored all his children. We will miss his dedication to schools, charities, and various individuals. He was never content to lead one life. He loved life so much that he stretched it into several. Bill was a man's man, a ladies' man, a family man, but most of all, a universal man. His unique voice and vision, his self-effacing honesty, helped us view and accept our own foibles and frailties. Bill Bates deserves every tribute made here and elsewhere. His work never can be collected in its entirety. He left so many sketches and caricatures in so many hands in so many countries, it would be impossible to find them all. Nevertheless, I hope someone tries to gather everything possible into his collected works. Here's a footnote toward that effort.
http://www.anitaalan.com/journalism_herald.html
Bill belongs to the angels and the ages. How blessed we are that he chose to call the Monterey Peninsula home.
Marija & Sukhi Dail
May 23, 2009
Just looked over Bill's 1985 Grand World Tour book and was once again amazed at his talent and the richness of his drawings. We will miss his humor and great presence.
God bless you, Bill, and...bon voyage...
Jeff & Margi Miles
May 23, 2009
Our hearts fill with sorrow & JOY by knowing you, Mr. Bill Bates... Your journey on Earth brought healing laughter... Because of you, we have 2 life-long friends, Lei Lei & Chelsea... You are soaring now... Watch the skies for the next message of love to all of us... Bye for now, Bill Bates
Martha Campbell
May 23, 2009
My Deepest Sympathy to the Bates Family. When ever I'd see Bill, he'd always smile & come over to greet me. Love the the humor & his less known political cartoons. He'll be truly missed.
George Bush
May 22, 2009
Bye, Bill.
Tracy Valleau
May 22, 2009
Bill and I shared the same club. I will miss him; we all will miss him. So long, Bill... and thanks.
rebecca quijada
May 22, 2009
god bless
N. Major
May 22, 2009
My parents adored Bill's work. Whilehe was at CHOMP last July, My MOm was there also. She died July 11. She had held the record at CHOMP for the pateint stayingthe longest. I remember my Dad tellingme Bill has also stayed quite a whiel at Chomp before being moved. May times afterwards, my Dad and I wondered how he was doing. So sorry for your loss.
Cartooning in Carmel
Paige Robertson
May 22, 2009
Bill Bates, a man who is loved and respected by all those lucky enough to know him. Proud and nurturing father and husband, great friend and world renouned fine artist writer and cartoonist, Bill will live on in our hearts and others will meet him in his work. Truely a beautiful person in every way and an example of how great a man can be. We miss you. Rest in Peace. To view a May 2008 interview with Bill creating his cartoons and talking about his life go to youtube.com search for Bill Bates Cartoonist
George Reading
May 22, 2009
Humor is what Bill saw, what he drew, what he shared. He was always a happy bright light. I don't think a person exists that Bill Gates would spare his gracious, inviting smile.
kathy smith
May 22, 2009
Was there ever a time that there wasn't a smile on Bill's face? Ever?? That's the memory I'll always have of him. Lei Lei and Chelsea, I hope all the very good memories you have replace your sadness as soon as possible.
Sam Salerno, Jr.
May 22, 2009
Bill, thank you for telling Carmel's story. You are missed!
Bradford Carl
May 22, 2009
Bill was a great person who touched many people and made them laugh.His cartoons will live on forever along with his spirit of happiness.
Miriam Aguilar
May 22, 2009
Bill, you are an inspiration to us all. Your whimsical cartoons of life in Carmel will always be remembered by many locals. It was always a pleasure seeing you at the local Trader Joe's. Rest in Peace my friend.
Steve Brochin
May 22, 2009
We've lost a true talent. Bill had a great sense of humor. You will be missed!
Barbara and Fernando Batista
May 21, 2009
What can you say when the world just lost one of its finest humans. We had a lot of adventures with Bill and the best memory is always his smile. Bill treated everyone like they were his best friend and that is a gift we will all miss. You will be missed Bill. Thank you for the humor and friendship and love.
SOLOMON TERRY JR
May 21, 2009
I FIRST MET BILL IN CARMEL TWENTY YEARS AGO I LOVE TO HEAR HIM TALK ABOUT HIS TRAVELS AND HIS FAMILY HE WAS A JOY GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY
Elaine Giampietro
May 21, 2009
Bill is such a wonderful gift of joy and wit. Always the twinkle in his eyes and wit in his mind.
It's an honor to know him, albeit, sporatically. My deepest sympathy to Chelsea and Lei Lei.
Kelley Conover
May 21, 2009
I first met Bill , his lovely wife , and daughter in 1989. He was a huge inspiration to me to keep working on my career no matter how many times I thought it was time to hang it up. We will miss you and your huge love of life and everyday people.Thanks for
everything you gave us.!
Kelley of " Kelley and the Beachcombers "
Gary Russell
May 21, 2009
Bill was a great guy and I loved working with him making his cartoons into posters for Carmel post office. Our warm thoughts and prayers are with his family
Diane Wolcott
May 21, 2009
My warm thoughts, prayers, and Heart-felt sympathy
Paul Welvang
May 21, 2009
Three Midwestern tourists wandered wide-eyed into the Hearst building in ’95 and were lucky enough to run into Bill Bates. He was so cordial and welcoming that we were convinced he worked as the ambassador for the city of San Francisco.
After telling us the history of the building, pointing out architectural details and suggesting other highlights in downtown S.F., he actually took the time to sketch our group portrait (in profile) to astonishing likeness.
It was the highlight of our trip and we will never forget his kindness. May he rest in peace.
claudia long
May 21, 2009
Bill was the spirit of Carmel. Such wit, not to be matched, by anyone! Good bye to an old friend.
My condolences to his sweet wife and children
May 21, 2009
I took a cartoon class with Bill and he was wonderful. We won't forget him
Stephanie Kappos
May 21, 2009
Bill lived among us like a comet -- a bright light radiating much delight. He touched our hearts with kindness, caring, and laughter. Memories of great times and joyous moments will help warm our hearts against the cold pain of his loss. Our deepest condolences to his family.
Gibson Family
May 21, 2009
A true loss for Carmel... May you take comfort in knowing that the unique vision and humor found in Bill's cartoons have been treasured by so many in our community as well as visitors in the past and will be for many years to come.
James Toy
May 21, 2009
Irreplaceable. Bill's witty cartoons described Carmel better than a library full of books.
Jennifer Fellguth
May 21, 2009
I am so sorry for your family's and our community's loss.
Mary MacVicar
May 21, 2009
Chelsea and Lei Lei, we are thinking about you and remembering sweet Bill fondly. We will treasure his drawings of the kids in Tommy and Chelsea's class forever. God bless you both and all of Bill's family. Love, Mary, Don, Kate and Tommy MacVicar
Miguel & Bonnie Hernandez
May 21, 2009
Bill was a wonderful guest at our gallery, during the Dedini exhibit and others. He was such a treasure to our community and the world. Our warm hugs, many prayers and kind thoughts are with you.
Francesca & Walter Hawthorne
May 21, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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