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Don Bates
1937 - 2025
BORN
1937
DIED
2025
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Don Bates Obituary
August 1, 1937 - July 1, 2025
Don R. Bates, 87, passed away at his Laguna Woods, California, home after a short illness on July 1, 2025. He was born on August 1, 1937, in Mason City, Washington, to Roy and Helen (Nolop) Bates.
During his early years, Don lived in Grand Coulee, Washington, and Athol, Idaho. In 1953, he moved to Leavenworth, Washington, and in 1959, he married his high school sweetheart, Karen Estabrook. They were married for 66 years.
Don attended Wenatchee Valley College, then, with his father's help, took the lead with "Bates House Moving", established in 1937. He moved his first two-story house in Cashmere, Washington, on his 21st birthday. From Spokane, along with his brother Dennis, in both Washington and Idaho, the company continued for 80 years. Don told how his dad moved a house across Grand Coulee Dam and, 25 years later, he did the same. Don also told of giving his "Bates House Moving" hat to a camel driver in Egypt who had never seen a baseball hat.
Don and Karen's life was filled with daughters' horse shows and sons' motocross, BMX races, and karate tournaments in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Canada.
Don was a lifelong member of the Methodist church. He was also a Lieutenant in the Army National Guard. Don especially enjoyed snow skiing and riding his motorcycle.
After both children left for college, he and Karen joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary, making many friends. They enjoyed fishing and loved cruising the San Juan Islands. Many trips to California followed to attend their granddaughters' swimming and water polo meets. He was always the proudest grandpa there.
Don is survived by his wife Karen; daughter Susan (Samer), and granddaughter Stephanie of San Juan Capistrano, CA., Sabrina (Dr. Mena Messiha), Homestead, Florida; Sarah Botros, Honolulu, Hawaii; brother Dennis (Geri), Mesa, Arizona, and many friends!
He was preceded in death by son Scott, parents Roy and Helen Bates, and Rev. Charles and Sylvia Estabrook.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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