The passing of both our classmates, Jack Trusty and Warren Bates, in only six days, reaffirms my commitment to bring us together as a class as often as possible. In the meantime, I'm hoping that anyone reading this blog will take a moment to think kindly of those classmates who made an impact on you, and who you no longer see or speak to, due to life's ways. Perhaps it's time to use this amazing utility called the Internet, to look up that special someone's address, and drop them a note or card to let them know you are thinking of them.
I remember Warren as a quiet and very gentle soul. If you think about it, we are each other's "witness" during these childhood years that seem so far away now.
My caring thoughts to Warren's family and to his friend and our friend, Jeff Hunter.
Warren G. Bates, age 49, of Holly, died Sept. 9, 2011. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Sat. Sept. 17, 2011 at the Dryer Funeral Home, Holly with Rev. Sharlyn Gates officiating. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery, Holly. Visitation will be from 6-9 PM Thurs. and from 2-9 PM Friday. Warren was born in Detroit on May 3, 1962 the son of Gordon and Helen (Dale) Bates. He loved his family, his dog Mabel, the outdoors, gardening, and shooting pool. He was a member of the Holly Moose Lodge. He is survived by his mother Helen Bates of Holly; 2 brothers Curtis (Jane) Bates of CA and Stuart (Loretta) Bates of Hartland; sister Laura (Richard) Spens of Livonia; special friend Carol Shanks of Flint; nieces and nephews Rachel (Robbie) Loutsios, Matt Bates, Cody, Sierra, and Savanna Bates, and Steven, Elijah, Kimberly, and Paul Spens. He was preceded in death by his father Gordon Bates. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association. www.dryerfuneralhomeholly.com