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William Bates Obituary
1969 ~ 2016
Resident of San Jose, CA
Bill passed away suddenly on Friday, February 5th. He is survived by his beloved wife of 15 years, Vera Bates, and their precious children: Susan Muthoni Bates, Clarence Kariuki Bates and Mulaika Meri Bates.
His parents are Susan Bates of Sunnyvale and Don Bates of Placerville. His siblings are Jim Bates of Boone, NC and Mike Bates of San Jose. Brother-in- law to Janet Bates and Jennifer Bates. Uncle to Nathan and Hannah Bates of Boone, NC, and David and Alun Bates of San Jose.
Bill grew up in Sunnyvale and lived in the Bay Area all his life. He graduated from San Jose State University with a major in Biology. He was a committed Christian Scientist. His greatest joy was activities with his children. He loved nature, especially bugs, snakes and butterflies. He loved riding and working on his Harley Davidson bikes. He is remembered by friends and family for his kindness, peacefulness and his willingness to go to any length to help others.
Organizations which were part of his life of helping people included Kiwanis Club of San Jose, Innvision Shelter Network (where he worked for 15 years), International Facilities Management Association (IFMA) and Pinewood Schools. Contributions can be made to the Benevolent Fund for Vera Bates c/o First Church of Christ, Scientist, San Jose.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 13th, 2016 from 10am -12 noon, at First Church of Christ, Scientist, 1807 The Alameda, San Jose, 95126.
View the online memorial for William "Bill" Bates
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Memories and Condolences
for William Bates
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
Kwakye
February 9, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Rodney Moorehead
December 9, 2021
I´m very sorry to hear about Bill´s passing. He was one of my favorite coworkers while I was working at Ritz Camera in Westgate. I remember when he had just gotten his `58 Panhead rebuilt, how proud he was of it. We lost touch somewhere around 1996, after his miraculous recovery from his motorcycle accident on Hwy 17. I have tried looking him up from time to time without success, and I´m sorry that I didn´t reconnect before his passing. My deepest condolences to his family, Bill was an amazing person to have known.
August 21, 2016
Rest in peace beloved Bill.
Charles Kwakye
February 17, 2016
I'm very sadden Bill for your passing, May the ALmighty God Grant you a wonderful space in your rest.
You will be missed.
Okezie Iroz-Nnanta
February 16, 2016
Very saddened to hear of Bill's passing. He is remembered for his shy smile and gentle personally. Vera, Susan and family, may you find solace in the treasures of memories we all shared with Bill.
Njoki & Fred Hunter
February 12, 2016
Wambui and family - Fred and I extend our deepest condolences. May you find strenght in these very trying times. Please know that our prayers are with you.
We will not be able to make it tonight but we are with you in spirit.
Njoki & Fred Hunter
Wayne Prescott
February 12, 2016
Vera, Susan, and Children,
I am so sorry for Your loss, and Our loss. Bill was a great Kiwanian and a great person, always there to help others in his business, personal, and family life. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Denise Booher
February 12, 2016
Vera, Suenoni, Clarence and Mulaika,
I am so sorry for your loss during this unimaginable time. Take comfort in knowing that your Dad/Husband is in a much better place and will, I'm sure, be watching over you always. Take care and God bless.
Bill Bates, with his mother Susan, and wife Vera at Kiwanis Club of San Jose installation dinner 09-20-14
Dan L. Connolly
February 12, 2016
February 12, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss, Bill was a wonderful man. God bless you all in this time of sorrow. The Retanas
Loren Mestressat
February 12, 2016
So sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest condolences to the Bates Family.
JF
February 12, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Evelyn & Galen White
February 11, 2016
Your friendliness and loving care of your family will always be remembered.
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