Edwin Timothy “Tim” Bates
Tim Bates passed away after a brief illness on January 4, 2019. Born in Lansing, MI on November 24, 1954, Tim was the eldest son of the late Edwin P. Bates (Baziotes) and Alberta M. Donahue Bates. Beloved brother of the late Carolyn A. Bates, Patricia L. Bates, Linus S. Bates, Mary Eileen Bates, Jacqueline A. (Chris) Andrews, Peter C. (Tati) Bates, Paul A. Bates, Lawrence J. (Barbra Ferguson) Bates; beloved uncle to Jennifer M. Andrews (Dylan Gregory), Christina M. (Jeremy) Blackburn, Ryan and Sara Andrews, Ryan Masucci, Brandon Bates, Rika Opio, Liam Bates, and great-nephew Morgan B. Gregory. Also survived by his dearly beloved uncle Frederick J. Bates, cousins Mickey Bates, Debbie Ward, and many other aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Tim was born with developmental challenges. With the help of programs though CSDD and family, he was able to live a happy, full, independent life. He was a dedicated worker who loved his job as a janitor at the Michigan Historical Library and working with his fellow employees through Peckham. Tim loved to travel, enjoying many trips with the group at Rainbow Homes as well as with family. He particularly loved visiting family in Florida, and his beloved ‘Benny’ and all the Santiago family. Tim was a bright, kind soul, a thoughtful, loving, caring man who never did harm to any living thing on this earth. He enriched all of our lives and will be greatly missed.
We wish to thank all of the angels in the community who touched Tim’s life on a daily basis, known and unknown. To all those who befriended Tim, helped and cared for Tim, we are grateful to you.
Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 PM Thursday, January 10, 2019 at Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, 325 W. Washtenaw St., Lansing 48933. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Friday, January 11, 2019, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, 3815 S. Cedar St., Lansing 48910. Tim will be interred at a later date in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
18 Messages to “Edwin Timothy “Tim” Bates”
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Robert Dietz
January 5, 2019 at 12:04 pmI often tell others about Tims play by play announcing of football games. Although not as famous as some his presence in every announcers booth will be missed.
Michelle Lamoureux
January 5, 2019 at 5:54 pmThere’s so much I wish I could have talked to Tim about. Tim is the most genuine person I ever knew. My heart is broken for the loss of this beautiful, wonderful man. He will not be forgotten as long as there is breath in me. He made a difference in my life. I am a better person for having had Tim in my life.
Patricia Bates
January 6, 2019 at 4:49 pmMichelle, you were such a dear friend to Tim. He truly enjoyed knowing you. I thank you for your great care of him. We are all better people for having had Tim in our lives!
Bless you!!!
Harle
January 6, 2019 at 6:17 pmGod blessed us with you Tim You are one of the holy ones that live amongst us and share a special place in the heart of us Thank you for the honor and privilege to spend time here and now on this glorious Earth “ blessed are the humble of heart they will inherit the earth “
Sheila Daley
January 6, 2019 at 7:15 pmDear Patty,
Fatefully, I came across this while looking for you, to reconnect. You were a dear friend to me and I miss you. I remember Tim as a happy and kind person, and I am sorry for your loss. I also just lost my oldest brother last month. So sorry to hear about Tim’s passing. My sympathies to you and your entire family. These are the times we can appreciate having a big family, and lean on each other. I hope you will contact me when you can.
Tim Warren
January 7, 2019 at 8:08 amI have known Tim for many years. Tim no matter what he was doing always stopped me at work to greet me with a smile and give me a genuine greeting each and every time he saw me. Tim’s service and dedication to Peckham will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers go to all of Tim’s family friends and acquaintances. Tim will be dearly missed!
Rodney Schnurr
January 7, 2019 at 11:27 amTo the entire Bates Family: Words are hard to find to properly console you for the loss of Tim. My personal regret is that I have not had a more personal bond with all of you. Geographic distance and time have a way of slipping through our fingers. There is no “right time” to share these feelings I have……there is only “too late”. It is at times like this that I take personal inventory as to what truly is important in life. Tim had such a fresh, loving way of approaching life each day. I , for one, can take a personal lesson from the pure virtue he espoused: a righteous man who lived life to the fullest with a strong moral compass. May he rest in peace and may God rest his soul.
Roddy
Kim Koscielniak
January 7, 2019 at 1:55 pmTim, the Law Library will miss your smile and quiet, diligent ways. Fly away to Peace.
Sharon (Aiken) Cebek
January 7, 2019 at 9:53 pmTo all the Bates Family…. I am so sorry to hear of Tim’s passing. He was always so sweet
and looked so much like your father too! I will always remember how nice and kind he was
and was ALWAYS smiling. Our deepest sympathies…..Sharon (Aiken), Gary, Lauren, Carly Cebek
Nancy and Bob Kelly and family
January 8, 2019 at 12:02 amOur deepest sympathy to all the Bates family in this time of sorrow . I remember Tim as a very inquisitive man . A caring person who seemed to always worry how everyone else was doing.
I did have the pleasure of seeing Tim with some of his family a few years ago when visiting my Mom , Tim’s Aunt Deenie. May you Rest In Peace Tim . You will truly be missed .
Kathy O'Neil
January 8, 2019 at 10:48 amDear Cousins, My heart is broken hearing the news of Tim’s untimely passing. Even though all of our families rarely had the chance to be together, I’ll always cherish the memories of when we did in our younger days and will always remember Tim’s sweet smile and demeanor. God must have truly needed another Angel. My sincere condolences to you and everyone that was a part of his life, as he touched many people. With much love and sympathy across the miles.
Patricia Jo Conway
January 8, 2019 at 12:16 pmDear Patti, I am so sorry to read of your brother’s passing. I know having you as an advocate for him nobody stood a chance. Our condolences to Tina and the rest of your family. Take care of yourself my friend and forge on.
Patti Conway
(I still haven’t figured out which one of us was the “good” Patti. I think it depends on who you ask.)
Lawrence Schnurr
January 8, 2019 at 3:28 pmDear Bates Family,
Your brother Tim was a kind and gentle soul who’s passing is a loss to all. Our deepest sympathy in your time of sorrow——Larry, Barb, and Matt Schnurr
Nancy Kelly
January 8, 2019 at 4:20 pmOur deepest sympathy to the Bates family in this time of sorrow. I remember Tim as a very inquisitive person and he seemed to worry how everyone else was doing and feeling . I do recall a visit Tim made with some of his siblings to visit my Mom , his Aunt Dee . He of course talked up a storm like he always had . Tim will be missed , a caring person.
May you Rest In Peace Tim
Nancy and Bob Kelly and family
Timothy O'Neil
January 9, 2019 at 12:31 pmI am so sorry to hear of Tim’s passing. Although we seldom met as adults, I will always remember Tim and his siblings childhood visits to our home in Pittsburgh. Tim and I used to roll down our backyard and laugh all the way back up, only to roll down the hill again for what seemed like hours. ON the last time down that hill, Tim put his arm around me and just smiled- something I have often remembered. All of us were so blessed to have him in our families and in our lives. Now I pray that Tim may eternally rest in the light of Jesus’ face.
Dan O'Neil
January 10, 2019 at 4:38 pmDear Cousins, I still remember my dear aunt Berdie laying out a blanket on our living room floor (at our Pittsburgh home) and placing her baby boy Timmy, for us to see for the first time…it would be years between times that we would see him…but it was enough to get to love and miss him. My deepest sympathy for the loss of your brother Tim,
Dan O'Neil
January 10, 2019 at 6:44 pmDear cousins, I still remember seeing Timmy for the first time, when my dear aunt Berdie spread out a sheet on our living room floor ( at our Pittsburgh home) to place her baby boy Tim, I was 4 or 5 years old….It would be years between times that your Mum and Dad would visit…but it was enough time to get to know, love , and miss my cousin Tim. Hoping he is back in his mothers arms…Thoughts and prayers to all of you. Love Dan
Janice (Schnurr) Zebert
January 20, 2019 at 1:03 pmDear Patti, Linus, Mary Eileen, Jackie, Pete, Paul and Larry,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of Tim. I share the same memories of Tim that so many others have expressed. Apparently everyone who was fortunate enough to know him, was touched in the same way. My most recent memory of Tim was when he and I spent some time talking at the funeral home service for Aunt Denie or Uncle Sam (I can’t recall which one). I remember how comfortable I felt with him, how lovingly he spoke of his family, and how proudly he spoke of his job. I also recall hoping to some day spend time with him again. My hope for you now is that as you think of Tim each day, those memories will bring you comfort and healing. Love to you all,
Janice (Schnurr) Zebert, Mike, Cliff and Julie