Westfield, Massachusetts
David “Digger” Bates, a lifelong resident of Westfield, lost his battle with COVID-19 on April 15, 2020. He attended Westfield Public Schools. He received an undergraduate degree from Westfield State University and graduate degrees from Smith College and Colgate University. David loved teaching....
Read MoreTo Mary and family: my sincere condolences on the passing of Dave, my colleague for many years. May you be comforted by sweet memories.
Blessings to you all.
Gabrielle Charest
April 28, 2020 | Redmond, WA
Very tragically we have lost a wonderful man.
Robert and Jean Beebe
April 26, 2020 | Westfield, MA
Donna & I were shocked to hear of David's Illness and send Mary and her Family our sincere condolences. I always remembered David as my Science teacher at Agawam Jr. High as a highlite in my education; very likeable and fair man. We wish your family many peaceful memories and stay well.
Dennis & Donna Nutbrown
April 23, 2020 | Southwick, MA
To the Bates family it was with great sadness to hear about Dave. He was a friendly kind man.The friendship my dad and Dave had was such a blessing. The two of them did a great job taking care of each other. Oh what laughs they had!
I truly hope your memories bring you some comfort.
Fondly Linda Molloy
Linda Molloy
April 22, 2020 | Agawam, MA
My sister, Annmarie Shaer, who has also posted a remembrance here, was very happy to know I would be with Mr. Bates at Agawam Jr. High School. She and I visited him in the hospital when he had pneumonia in 1971 or '72. Later, he was an assistant principal at Agawam High School. Mr. Bates was very fair and helpful in his discipline, as he understood that teach teenager is unique. We also talked a LOT about the Red Sox. He had a major impact on countless students and, thus, their families. He...
Tom Shaer
April 19, 2020 | Chicago, IL
wonderful memories of a friend and co-worker. Jim Bruno
Cheryl Bruno
April 19, 2020 | Tarpon Springs, FL
My sister, Annmarie, who has also posted in this guest book, was happy to know I would also be with Mr. Bates at Agawam Jr. High School. She and I visited him in the hospital when he had pneumonia in 1971 or '72.
Later, Mr. Bates was an Assistant Principal at Agawam High School during all my years there. He was very fair and helpful in his discipline and advice, as he had a unique ability to understand the uniqueness of each each teenager. He and I talked a LOT about the Red Sox, too....
Tom Shaer
April 19, 2020 | Chicago, IL
I fondly remember my 7th and 8th grade science classes with Mr. Bates at Agawam Junior High. He made them so interesting and I developed a life long interest in science. My sincere condolences to all his family members. He made a difference.
Annmarie Shaer
April 19, 2020 | Springfield, MA
Playing golf with Dave was more about good conversation and story telling rather than the game. He will be missed.
Rich Baker
April 19, 2020
