Donald James Bates, 66, went to his heavenly home on Friday, December 17, 2021.

Don joins his father Arlie, brother Joe, sister-in-law Deborah, his paternal grandparents Rollo and Hazel Bates and maternal grandparents Catherine and Walter Schmidt in Heaven.

He is survived by his mother Mary Ann Bates, brothers Rodney (Annette), Richard (Cindy), and Brian (Sherri) Bates in addition to many nieces, nephews and friends.

Don's wish was to be cremated. A memorial service to celebrate Don's life will be held at a later date and family and friends will be notified. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery.

A complete obituary will be published in the Ladysmith News and may be viewed here.