Photo courtesy of Rivet Funeral Home & Crematorium Inc. - Merrimack
Merrimack, New Hampshire
Aug 25, 1941 – Aug 31, 2022
Robert L. Bates Jr, 81 of Bedford, NH and formerly of Merrimack, died Wednesday Aug. 31, 2022 at the Elliot Hospital in Manchester, NH after a brief illness.
He was born in Boston, MA on Aug. 25, 1941, a son of the late Robert Bates Sr and Rose (Ferry) Bates.
He worked for a number of companies, including Hudson Limo Service and Narragansett Brewing before being employed at Anheuser-Busch in Merrimack in 1979. He retired in 2003. After retirement he worked for a number of companies as a courier including H&R Block in the Manchester and northern Massachusetts area.
He was married in 1963 to Patricia McCabe and together they had four children. Pat succumbed to brain cancer in 1980. In 1984 he married Diane R West, of Nashua.
Members of his family include his wife, Diane of Bedford; three sons, Robert Bates III and his wife Yu Jin of Elizabethtown, KY, Tim Bates and his wife Jen of Merrimack, and Brian Bates of Manchester; one daughter Rosemary Farrell and her significant other Lowell Smith of Dover; three grandchildren, Christopher and Jessica Bates, and Gina Bates and her fiancée Steven Decker. He also had two brothers-in-law Steven West and wife Colleen of Hull MA and David West of Nashua and a sister-in-law, Meredith West and husband Drew King of Bloomington IN. He will also be sorely missed by his loving cat, Lucy.
There are no calling hours. A private memorial service for family and close friends will be held in the Rivet Funeral Home in Merrimack at 1pm on the October 2nd. A celebration of life will be held at the Biergarten located at the Anheuser Busch Brewery in Merrimack on October 2nd from 2-5pm. All who knew him are welcome.
Memorial contributions in Robert’s honor may be made to Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire 545 State Rte 101, Bedford, NH 03110 or at rescueleague.org.
Read MoreMay the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Ellie & Al Sweet
September 27, 2022 | Sun City Center, FL | Coworker
Bob, Tim, Brian & Rose: My folks told me of your fathers passing and I wanted to extend my deepest sympathies. I remember both of your parents as extremely kind people, qualities which I am sure have trickled down to their children and grandchildren. Peace. Dave
David Martineau
September 15, 2022 | Other
I would like to send my condolences to my
niece Rosemary and my nephews Bobby,Timmy and Brian.
I remember Bob when he was a teenager
And when he became engaged to my
Sister Pat McCabe. I have happy memories
of the four of us. Pat & Bob my late husband Joe and My selp.
An going up to N.H. to visit when all the
children were young.
May God Bless all of you,and keep you
Safe.
Love Aunt May ❤ ♥ ...
Mary M McCabe -Mullen
September 13, 2022 | Rockwall 75087, TX | Family
Diane, I'm so sorry for your loss. It's been a few years since I've seen you two. I remember so many great times you & Bob and Barbara & Lloyd. You were such an awesome couple. He will be missed. I'm married now and am living in Missouri. Would love to hear from you. Love Anne Forbes Macomber. Email address is the same.
Anne Forbes Macomber
September 12, 2022 | Shelbina, MO | Friend
I was so sorry to hear of Bobby’s passing. Although we had not kept in touch for several years, I still thought of him often with all good memories. We were cousins and enjoyed meeting with family when we were young and living in Watertown. Bobby was one of the really good guys who always made me smile. My caring thoughts and prayers go out to you, Diane, and family.
Ann (Sardellitti) Guden
Ann Guden
September 11, 2022 | Watertown, MA | Family
Offering our deepest condolences during this time.
The Staff of George R. Rivet Funeral Home
September 10, 2022 | Merrimack, NH
Worked with Bob for several years at AB always a great guy and fun to be around. Will be missed by many. Condolences to his family
Paul Beland
September 09, 2022 | Work
Diane and family...he was the best guy I met so many times. His humor will be enjoyed by all who greet him. Will we still hear him during the evening news? I sure hope so. Much love, Diane.
Donna Staples
September 07, 2022 | Friend
Tim, May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Kathy Reardon
September 06, 2022 | Merrimack, NH | Classmate