Bates, Ronald K.

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Ronald K. Bates RENSSELAERVILLE — Ronald K. “Ronaferd” Bates was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who enjoyed the fast life, and loved to make people laugh. “He was quick; he’d think of something, and just throw it out there, and you’d just start laughing,” said his son, Ronald “Joey” Bates. “Really quick with a humorous response; whether it was good, bad, sad — he got you laughing.” Mr. Bates died on Sunday, June 17, 2012. He was 71. “He liked being social, being out and about,” his son said. “He didn’t like to stay at home; he always wanted to be out doing something.” Born at home in Preston Hollow on Sept. 12, 1940, he was the oldest of Omar and Theresa (Cook) Bates’s four children. He was educated in a one-room schoolhouse, and later attended Middleburgh Central School, where he was an active member of the Future Farmers of America club. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was known as a lover of fast cars, especially his black, 1962 Chevrolet Impala, “with a 409 engine, and a 4 on the floor,” his family wrote in a tribute. Later, he could be seen driving his 1986 Chevrolet IROC-Z Camaro. Mr. Bates also enjoyed going to the annual Harley Rendezvous in Pattersonville. “He looked forward to that every year,” said his son. “I think what got him into living the fast life was his first few years in the military. You never know what’s going to happen the next day, so, he chose to live life day-to-day, and have a good time.” Mr. Bates was a member of Greenville American Legion Post 291, and a past member of Tri-Village Volunteer Fire Company. While employed at GNH Lumber, Mr. Bates was drafted into the United States Army, and part of his duty was driving a USO tour bus across America. After he was discharged, he joined the Albany County Sheriff ’s Department as a road patrol officer, based at the Voorheesville substation, and then worked as a security guard at Albany International Airport, until he retired. He later worked as a bus driver for the Cairo-Durham School District, and then drove the Rensselaerville Senior Bus. Said his son, “He just loved being with the other seniors.” He will be remembered “for his keen sense of humor and sharp wit,” his family wrote. “He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.”

Mr. Bates is survived by his son, Ronald “Joey” Bates and his wife, Wanda, of Medusa; and his longtime companion, Susan Quinn. Also surviving are his four grandsons: Kyle Bates and his wife, Erika; Keith Bates; Kenneth Bates; and Killian Bates. He is also survived by his great-grandson, Keegan Bates; his close brother, Randy Bates and his wife, Laura, of Medusa; his sister, Linda Mack of East Durham; several nieces, nephews, and greatnephews; and his special cousin, Dot Mickle and her husband, Keith, of Schoharie. His parents died before him, as did his sister, Roxene Corrigan; his nephew, Padraic Corrigan; and his niece, Becky Mack. Friends called at A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home in Greenville on Wednesday, June 20, and a Legion service was held that evening. A graveside service with military honors will be held today, Thursday, June 21, at 1 p.m. in the Brookside Cemetery in Preston Hollow. There will be a reception in the Bayard Elsbree Memorial Park in Preston Hollow following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Bayard Elsbree Memorial Park, 2979 State Route 145, Preston Hollow, NY 12469. Friends and family may leave condolences at ajcunninghamfh. com. — Zach Simeone

Thursday, June 21, 2012

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