Douglas Bates
February 2, 1934 - March 20, 2023
Professor Douglas Bates of London in his 90th year passed away on Monday, March 20, 2023. Dearly loved husband, best friend, and soulmate of his dedicated and devoted wife Margaret Rose Bates aka “Bonnie” for 47 years. They were married in 1975 in Melbourne Florida. Remembered by stepson Craig, his sons Dean, Dann, and David, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. Survived by his brother Paul, brother-in-law Fred, and sisters-in-law. Lovingly remembered by several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his brother Don and his wife.
Eldest son of the late Vernice and Lester (aka “Bus”) Bates of Port Burwell. Mother Vernice was a lifelong teacher and principal at several schools in the area of Port Burwell and father was a commercial fisherman on Lake Erie for many years, finishing his career and retiring from Timken Bearings Plant in St. Thomas, Ontario. After retiring, he served the village of Port Burwell as the Water Commissioner.
Born in St. Thomas, Ontario on February 2, 1934. Doug attended public and high school in Port Burwell, Ontario, and lived in Port Burwell for 13 years. He left to attend Arthur Voaden vocational school in St. Thomas, Ontario.
1950, Doug left school at the age of 16 years to start work at CHLO radio station in St. Thomas as a Control Room Operator.
In 1953, Doug moved to CFPL 98 radio as Control Room and Remote Pickup Operator, then in 1955 to CFPL TV as camera, video control, audio, telecine, etc., on all local productions.
1961, Doug moved to CFTO-TV Toronto and eventually CTV Network Toronto, as a Master Control and Studio Production Technical Director. He was frequently the director of the technical operations on well-known shows like The Pig & Whistle, Sports Hot Seat, W5, Grey Cup Football, Nashville North, CTV National News, etc.
Eight years later he moved back to London to be the TV Studio Manager in the media center at the University of Western Ontario.
1972, Doug moved to Fanshawe College in London as the Professor of Television and Broadcasting and the Program Coordinator. He taught for 23 years as a respected educator and over the years he was instrumental in assisting students in finding related employment all across the country. Doug was fortunate to receive teacher of the year in Television Broadcasting.
Retired from Fanshawe at age 62, Doug and Bonnie moved to live on the harbour in Grand Bend Ontario for 13 happy years. He and Bonnie were fortunate to spend over 20 winter vacations in Daytona Beach Shores, Florida, enjoying many accumulated friends and local music. They also spent enjoyable summers boating on Lake St. Clair on their cabin cruiser and enjoying comradery of nautical friends. He and Bonnie traveled to British Columbia, Margarita Island, Hollywood, Florida, and Cuba.
There will be no viewing or funeral service as per Doug’s wishes. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Doug are asked to consider a charity of their choice.
“Be happy that we have had so many years together. I gave you my love; you can only guess how much you gave me in happiness. I thank you for the love you have shown, but now it is time that I travel alone.”
Love, Bonnie
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I have fond memories of having Doug as a teacher when I attended Fanshawe College. His calm demeanor and kind guidance were greatly appreciated. My deepest sympathy to Doug's family during this very sad time.
My deepest condolences to Bonnie .. great memories of Fanshawe College .. especially the lunch room breaks and our many chats .. I can close my eyes and picture Doug's beautiful smile. Blessed to have been a very small part of his life's journey.
Bonnie, I’m so sorry for your loss. My paths crossed with Doug many times at Fanshawe and in the media. I’ll always remember Doug as a soft spoken consummate professional. May he RIP.
On behalf of the members of the Fanshawe College Retirees' Association I would like to extend our condolences to you Bonnie, your family and friends. Our sympathies are with you at this time. Regards, Sandra Detering, FCRA President.
Doug was a highly respected Professor and will be fondly remembered by fellow workers and students who knew him during his many years at Fanshawe College. He was a true and loyal friend to my husband Brent Germain who has also recently passed away (Feb.18, 2023). It was a pleasure to spend time with Bonnie and Doug who made such a well-matched and lovely couple. They created a good life together and made many dreams come true for one-another. Dear Bonnie, may your precious memories and the sympathy of friends help to comfort you at this time.
Our sincere condolences to you Bonnie, Dean & Michelle, and the entire Bates family. Tribute to Doug: My first experience with Doug was as my professor. He was an incredibly patient teacher and would explain technical aspects in detail, rearranging his delivery so you would easily understand it. Later, as a colleague, he was a fun member of our team. Doug was precise and detailed in his documentation and was (usually) a willing member of anything new we wanted to try. Doug especially enjoyed keeping in touch with our grads/alumni. I think the most fun we had were the field trips to visit our grads and alumni at various locations. I have so many fond memories of working with Doug at Fanshawe. He will be missed but what a life to celebrate! May your happy memories of him bring you some comfort. Warm wishes, Laurel & Jim
Bonnie - My condolences on the loss of Doug. May you find comfort in the memories that are yours to cherish always, and strength in the companionship of those who share your loss.
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Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Doug are asked to consider a charity of their choice.
Bonnie, just learned of Doug’s passing and we were taken by surprise. We are very sorry for your loss and we extend to you and your family our deepest condolences.
~ Rick and Betsy Horton