John Thomas Bates

John T. Bates

October 15, 1939 – August 22, 2025

Laguna Niguel, CA

John Thomas Bates passed away with family by his side on August 22 at 85 years old.

He was born in Long Beach, California to Tom and Margaret Bates. His father, a
coastal projects engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, a job that required the
family to reside in many California coastal communities undergoing harbor in-
stallations. John's favorite was Catalina Island where he attended elementary school
and later worked summer jobs for the Catalina Harbor Maintenance Department. Even-
tually the family returned to permanent residence in Long Beach and John then entered
Long Beach Public schools graduating from Long Beach Poly High School where he be-
came an outstanding water polo player. Upon graduation he went to Stanford and was
recruited to play goalie for the Stanford water polo team. Following graduation, he was
accepted to the USC School of Architecture earning a degree in Architecture. After
passing the licensing exams he launched his professional career owning and leading
his award-winning firm for over 30 years.

His work shaped communities across California from BIA award winning residential
housing to civic and community centers in Torrance, Lakewood, Anaheim, Yorba Linda,
and San Clemente to name a few.

His multi-use YMCA sports facility in Laguna Niguel was selected by the National Ar-
chitectural Registration Board as a benchmark to test candidates for national ar-
chitectural licensing and recognized for its innovative design and clarity. The Laguna
Hills Community Center project, affectionately known as "Pop's Park" by his grand-
children, stands as a symbol of his belief quoted in the LA Times (9/11/2003) that
"Public buildings should be friendly & inviting, not massive and intimidating. With the
often adversarial relations between people and government I think we need buildings
that pull people together."

In addition to his professional accomplishments John proudly served in the U.S. Air-
force, active and reserve duty during the Vietnam War. He served his community as a
youth sports coach, a volunteer in Laguna Niguel's Incorporation effort, and with the
multi-community anti-airport coalition. He enjoyed golfing with friends, fishing for the
elusive bluefin tuna and camping trips to Catalina on his beloved boat, the Home Run.

He will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his quick humor, his deep love
for Patti his wife of 62 years, his children Jason (Stefanie), J'Amy Schouten (Stuart), his
grandchildren Brennan and Jessica Bates, and Tommy and Mitch Schouten, his heart-
felt caring for animals and nature, and his endearing determination to take on house-
hold projects admitting that patience was not his greatest gift. He has now made his
Home Run. May he rest there at peace in God's keeping.

Contributions in his name can be made to the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center.