Obituary of Arthur Bates

Nature’s first green is gold,

Her hardest hue to hold.

Her early leaf’s a flower;

But only so an hour.

Then leaf subsides to leaf.

So Eden sank to grief,

So dawn goes down to day.

Nothing gold can stay.

– Robert Frost

Arthur Bates passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on his ninety-first birthday, February 28th, 2023 at Parkwood Institute in London, ON. Art will now rejoin with his cherished wife and best friend, the late Bernadette. He was the beloved father of Michael (Sheila), Rob, Patrick (Lisa), Erin (Marie), Anna (Cathie), Geoff, Mindy (Steve), Peter (CJ), Tim (Adrianna), Sean (Lisa), Abby (Jeff), Ryan (Mercedes), and Adam (Nicolle). Art was predeceased by his siblings Marion, James, Bill, Evelyn, Jean, Bob, George, Ruth, and Jack. He will be missed dearly by his grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and all extended family.

Art served in the military for three years, and fought during The Korean War with the Royal Canadian Regiment. He was an active member of both the Lions Club and the Legion well into later in his life, and was known for his winning ways at the latter’s weekly meat draws. He was highly regarded around London and Southwestern Ontario as a real estate agent and broker for nearly three decades. Art was an avid gardener, outdoorsman, as well as being an extremely talented carpenter and painter. He enjoyed curling, golfing, and baseball.

Art was an incredible family man and husband who dedicated his life to bettering the lives of his loved ones, and the community around him.

Art’s family is eternally grateful for the empathy, commitment, and love he received from the remarkable staff at Parkwood Institute’s Veterans Care program.

Visitation will be held on Friday March 10th, 2023, from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at DENNING’S OF STRATHROY. A funeral service will take place at the funeral home on Saturday March 11th, 2023, at 11:00am. A private family interment will take place at a later date.

In memory of Art, donations may be made to the St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation, and/or The Royal Canadian Legion.