Warren Franklin Bates

Warren Franklin Bates
September 9, 1932 - October 6, 2019

Warren Franklin Bates passed away on October 6, 2019, at the age of 87 after an illness. Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on September 9, 1932, Warren lived in many places throughout his life, including the Yukon Territory, Edmonton, Hawaii, Los Angeles, San Jose, and San Francisco. Much of his youth was spent along the Alaska Highway in the Yukon, where his parents, Warren and Jennie (Soli) Bates, owned and operated a lodge that welcomed and cared for countless travelers.

Warren trained as an electrician and eventually moved from Canada to California for work. He settled in San Jose, where he raised his family and built a full and meaningful life rooted in love, community, and dedication.

He was predeceased by his parents, Warren Ralph and Jennie Bates; his sister, Jo-anne Northey; his beloved wife of fifty years, Fern Agnes Clarice Bates (née Lillo); and his son, Warren Wesley Bates. He is survived by his daughter, Susana Bates, his daughter-in-law Petek Utku as well as by loving brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Warren retired in 1994 and remained active and engaged, always finding ways to stay busy and enjoy life.

Warren embraced life wholeheartedly. He was a proud member of the Masonic Brotherhood and the Shriners, often dressing as a clown in Shriners parades to bring laughter and joy to others. He played soccer well into his forties and fifties, loved deep-sea fishing, and had a passion for travel. Above all, he cherished his wife Fern, with whom he shared fifty wonderful years of marriage.

Warren was deeply loved by his children. His son, Warren, loved him very much. For his daughter, Susana, he was a constant and meaningful presence throughout her life. She has many cherished memories of spending time with him as a child, and their relationship grew even closer after the loss of her mother and brother.

Two private ceremonies were held to honor Warren's life, one in San Francisco and one in Canada. His ashes are buried in Ryley, Alberta, Canada, the town where Fern grew up. There's a family story about how this resting place was chosen: Warren and Fern occasionally had "discussions," and one of them was about where they would eventually be laid to rest. San Jose was ruled out because Warren couldn't stand the idea of being near freeway noise, and Sandpoint, Idaho—where his parents are buried—was dismissed because, as Fern pointed out, "the kids would never visit there." They ultimately decided on Ryley, a quiet town of about 400 people, close to relatives and full of family history.

He will be remembered for his vibrant spirit, his generous heart, and the best smile ever. Warren's memory continues to live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

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