Randy Bates

It is with heavy hearts that the family and friends announce the passing of Randy Bates peacefully Sunday January 22nd in the comfort of his own home, at the age of 63. Cherished son of Loretta and Tom Bates (Guelph), brother of Teresa Wayne Wright (Victor Brooker) (Guelph) and Guy Bates (Sarnia) and nephew to Ed Bates. He will also be missed by his 3 nieces and 1 nephew. He was treasured by his adopted family; brother by choice Brandon Gibbons-Vanderwel, his entire Gibbons, Vanderwel family and his Elite Property Group family and co-workers. 

Randy lived a simple and beautiful life. He wanted for nothing and asked for nothing. He was always smiling and bringing light and laughter to every situation he was in. He loved to tinker and could fix anything. Well known for “Randy-rigging” he was the one you would go to if you couldn’t get something to work or run right! If he couldn’t fix it off hand, he would look it up and figure it out. He enjoyed many years hunting with friends up in Port Elgin and South Hampton. He loved hunting and fishing and spent many years enjoying those activities and passing on his tricks of the trade to his friends and family.

If you knew Randy at all, you would know he had   a major sweet tooth. For a man his size he sure could polish off a pie! He was well known for his love of coffee - specifically Timmies, the man had a coffee in his hand from 5am until 11pm and still slept like a baby! This is who he was. If he didn’t have a coffee or a smoke in his hand, he had “Junior” (his Irwin groove lock pliers) with which he could fix anything! 

He spent many years of his life working side by side with Brandon, from cutting grass and snow removal to full manufacturing of natural stone products, right into head of maintenance for Elite Property Group where he was an absolute asset and integral part of the operations. He was loved by many of the tenants and clients along the road. It always amazed everyone all the treats and love he would get when going to properties. Randy will be missed by so many, far too many to list. 

A man’s best friend is always his dog and that was true for Randy, Shadow “dumdum” who passed just months ago, meant so much to him. He loved all animals. It didn’t matter whose dog it was - he would stop to say hello and they would instantly be best buds. 

He had a beautiful soul and brought that light everywhere he went. That won’t ever be forgotten. Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends leave footprints in your heart. 

A man of many companions may come to ruin but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

Visitation will be held at the D. J. Robb Funeral Home & Cremation Centre (102 N. Victoria St, Sarnia) on Thursday January 26^th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.  Cremation will follow. 

In lieu of flowers sympathy may be expressed through donations to the Sarnia Humane Society www.sarniahumanesociety.com in honour of his love for animals (cheques only at the funeral home please).

Memories, photos or messages of condolence may be shared at www.djrobb.on.ca