Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

BRIAN LISTER BATES

FUNERAL HOME

D. O. McComb and Sons - Covington Knolls

8325 Covington Rd.

Fort Wayne, Indiana

BRIAN BATES Obituary

BRIAN LISTER BATES, of Fort Wayne and Boyne City, Mich., died Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018, at his Fort Wayne home, surrounded by his loving family, after courageously battling ALS. A graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Brian started his career at Stanford University in a Cardiovascular Research Lab. From there, he joined Cook, Inc. His career at Cook Medical spanned 41 years. At his retirement, Brian served as Senior Vice President for Product Development. He held over 60 medical device patents, and was an integral part of growing the company worldwide. Perhaps his proudest achievement was being a part of the team that developed the first coronary stent. Outside of work, Brian was an avid outdoorsman. He loved bird hunting with his English Setter, Dobbs. Brian had a passion for running. He ran the stadium stairs at the Indiana University football stadium on his lunch hours, and ultimately participated in a number of marathons. When Brian retired, he developed a keen interest in shooting sporting clays, became an excellent marksman, and won competitions in South Carolina. Brian's favorite place was his home on Walloon Lake, in Michigan. He enjoyed tinkering with his wooden boat and he handcrafted most of the furniture in the house. Beautiful flower gardens and rock walls are his legacy at Walloon, but mostly, Brian enjoyed the small pleasures of life there. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Gail; daughter, Amy (Matt) Graham; two grandchildren, Emily and Ben Graham; brother, Barry (Diana); nieces, a nephew, and many other close friends. A reception to honor Brian's life is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 3, 2018, at Sycamore Hills Country Club, 11836 Covington Road, Fort Wayne. Brian will be laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery, in Petoskey, Mich. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Walloon Lake Trust & Conservatory, PO Box 579, Walloon Lake, MI 49796; or a charity of donor's choice. Brian's family is especially greatful to the care givers of Susan's Home Sweet Home. They especially thank Susan and Brett Peters, Amanda Barney and Lucette Flahaut, who cared so lovingly for Brian for the past nine months. Arrangements by D.O. McComb & Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, Fort Wayne. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.mccombandsons.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers on Dec. 26, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for BRIAN BATES

32 Entries

Dexter Elkins

January 10, 2019

Gail:

Sue and I are so sorry for your loss! Brian was bright and industrious, and we had many great times working together. I have fun memories of the year or so he and I shared an office together, and I frequently share some of those memories with others. I learned a lot from him during that time. Enjoy your memories as well, and you continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

God bless you,
Sue & Dexter

Terry Morrow

January 6, 2019

Gail,

Jim and i are so sorry to hear of Brian's illness and more recently, his passing. We looked forward to your return to Aiken and to getting to know you both better. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Let us know if you get down this way..

Jim and Terry Morrow
Fox Hollow

Jan Eaman

January 3, 2019

My thoughts are with you Gail. Brian and I were friends for a lot of years. So sorry he suffered, but he is free now. He would laugh if I told him I still owe him a tie. That makes me smile, too. With love, Jan Fisher Eaman

Alice McMillian

January 3, 2019

To Brian's family,

Brian was always a joy to be around and had a smile that brightened the room.
Keep those memories close to heart through this difficult time. He will be missed!

Alice McMillian

How you can show support

Get email updates whenever changes are made.

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Donate in Memory

Make a donation in memory of your loved one.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

John Eckberg

January 2, 2019

Dear Gail, Brian was such a fun-loving and down-to-earth man. He was always friendly and he was a teacher to the end. The lesson I learned from my time with Brian Bates is simple enough: greet each day with curiosity, humor and hope. Thanks for sharing him with the rest of us. John and Carol Eckberg

David Lessard

January 2, 2019

I was saddened by the news that Brian had passed. We worked together for more than 20 years. I will always miss Brian's innovative and no-nonsense approach to almost everything. From his index card roll-a-deck of contacts to his first attempts at using email. He believed deeply in the mission at Cook and his imprint is tangible. His ability to build relationships and maintain them was equally as impressive. He has been and will be missed by Cook. My prayers will be with him and his family.

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Janet Black

January 2, 2019

Gail. Amy, and family. I was so sorry to read about Brian's passing and his battle with ALS. I have fond memories of the old neighborhood here in Bloomington in Sycamore Knolls. I am sending BIG hugs and love.

It is hard for me to believe that Tom has been gone for 5 years. Time goes so fast.

God's Blessings,
Janet Black

Jodi Gogos

January 1, 2019

Dearest Mr. Bates,
It was my true pleasure to meet you and your amazing family. I am honored to have known you the very short time I did. May you enjoy your new home now, where you can run, hunt, and spend time with your beloved Dobbs. Blessings to all of you.

Dorothy Slota

January 1, 2019

Dear Gail and Amy and family,
Timm and I were so saddened to learn of Brian's passing. May all the wonderful memories you have of him sustain you in the coming months.

Dorothy and Timm Slota

Mark Bleyer

December 31, 2018

Dear Gail, Amy and Matt,
I was one of many fortunate people who had the privilege of Brian guiding my early career at Cook. His wisdom, insight and humor were so often an encouragement to me. He began as my supervisor, became a mentor and ended as a friend. Be assured, he had a positive impact on many lives through both his medical advances and his wise counsel.

Jim Heckman

December 31, 2018

Gail, Please know that Jane and I are holding you and your family in our hearts. Knowing and working with Brian was an honor.

Mary West

December 31, 2018

Dearest family of Brian:
Rob and i were high school classmates of Brian in Jackson,MI. What a fine person he was even then.
We are so very sorry for your loss. What a wonderful legacy he leaves!

Mary West

Rolland Johnson

December 30, 2018

We're totally shocked and saddened by Brian's passing. Our sincere condolences to Gail and the entire Bates family. Had some of our most pleasant times and memories with the Bates family. May the heartbreak of present be replaced over time with pleasant memories.

Rusty Burns

December 30, 2018

I'm so sorry to hear of your passing Brian. You were a great mentor to me, and many others throughout your incredible career at Cook. The impact of your work in the medical field is immeasurable. You were a true inspiration to everyone, saved & improved thousands of lives, and you always took the time to help others in need. My heart goes out to your family. Rest In Peace my friend.

Tony Ragheb

December 29, 2018

Gail and family. Many fond memories of Brian through 25 years with Cook! Such a great story teller; I still like to retell some of them. We join you in celebrating his life and mourning his loss,

Andy Briggs

December 29, 2018

Gail,
My heart goes out to you in your loss of husband and friend. Brian was always such a bright spot in my life whenever our paths would cross. He was an inspiration as we often compared what projects we were currently working on at home. (His were usually more challenging.) I count it a privilege to have known you both and served your travel needs over the years. May the Lord comfort you and your family during these days.
Andy Briggs, Flight Department

Jerry & Phyllis McCullough

December 29, 2018

Rest easy, Good Friend. We will miss you so much. All of our love, Jerry and Phyllis

Marsha Cobb Smith

December 29, 2018

Dear Gail and Amy and family, I can't imagine your deep feeling of loss. Just know there are so many sending you hugs and sympathy at his time. How empty you will feel with this loss but Brian will be with you always...praying for your strength and peace Fter such a hard struggle for all of you.

Jane Daniels

December 29, 2018

I was so saddened to hear of Brian's passing. I was blessed to have worked closely with him in the late 70's and early 80's. He was a mentor and friend, and I respected and admired Brian so much. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Gail and Amy and her family.

Jane and Greg Daniels

December 28, 2018

Dear Gail, Amy, and family - we have such fond memories of Brian from our summers in the west arm "enclave". You and Brian built a beautiful life there, reflecting your relationship as a strong, loving couple. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, the Nystroms

December 27, 2018

Dearest Gail and family: Our most sincere condolences at the passing of your most loved husband, father, grandfather. May you find peace, pride and smiles at the love, legacy and memories he has left you and all who knew him. Much love, Kris, Linda and Ruby Schulz

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Penny & Bill Barrett

December 27, 2018

Dear Gail: We are so sad for you and Amy, Matt & Ben & Emily. You all stood so solidly beside your husband, father & grandfather when there was no hope, and we know he loved you so much for your support.
He was such a wonderful man who has taught you all so much about life, hunting, the outdoors and the beauty around us. While you were living here, we loved seeing the way he transformed your gardens, and the many pieces of furniture he crafted for your house at Walloon. I remember his chocolate/chip/butterfinger cookies and his quiet & laid-back personality. He did not live long enough, but he filled his life, and yours, with purpose and enjoyment. He was a wonderful man, and a wonderful friend. We will miss him! We miss you, Gail, and hope we can connect again soon. We love you.

Anne Coyne

December 26, 2018

Caring thoughts are with you - Gail, Amy and family. Grateful for the many memories of the time you lived in Bloomington. His many talents, professional and personal accomplishments have left a legacy. Heart feelings to you all.
Anne, Les & family

Sue and Mike Noel

December 26, 2018

Dear Gail, Amy, Matt, Ben and Emily,
We have been deeply saddened by Brian's suffering and now, his passing. We hope you will find comfort in your beautiful memories and in the love you share.

A visit to our house...hoping to make the best impression on our neighborhood.

Karen Mayhew

December 26, 2018

The humor...the unbelievable lengths he would go to for the humor.

Jennifer Gidleu

December 26, 2018

Dear Amy, Matt, Ben and Emily... it breaks our hearts to know how sad you are right now. Please know we are thinking of all of you and keeping you in our prayers. Peace be with you during this Blessed Christmas season.

Diane Keoun

December 26, 2018

Brian was a wonderful husband, father and
grandfather to his family. He was also a
friendly and engaging part of his children's neighborhood
when he and Gail visited. May God comfort
you all as you go through this challenging
journey to say goodbye. He will be missed
by many. My late husband Craig and I were
privileged to know him and I am so saddened.

Kem and Mary Hawkins

December 26, 2018

Brian impacted millions of people around the world with his contributions to medicine through medical device innovation. Lives were improved and saved. He made a difference in our world and his legacy will live on. We will miss him as a friend.

Mary Mollitt

December 26, 2018

To Gail and family,
I will always remember Brian for his easy going and humble personality. He was always so welcoming when we came over for visits to the lake home. I have always admired his attention to detail with his handy work, he was meticulous and very talented. May every passing day bring you more peace than sorrow. With love, Mary Michelle

December 26, 2018

I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Brian's family, sorry for your loss. Jeremiah 29:11, 12 assures us that God is thinking thoughts of peace towards us, to give us a future and a hope, and that if we come and pray to Him, He will listen to us. May that bring you comfort in this time of sorrow.

Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results