Thomas William Bates, 83

Thomas William Bates passed away on Dec. 24, 2020, in Bigfork after a short illness. He was 83.

Tom was born June 24, 1937, in Ely, Minnesota, to Dorothy and William Bates.

After graduating from Albert Lea High School, Tom joined the Navy, served admirably and was honorably discharged. With the help of the G.I. Bill, Tom attended Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics.

After graduating from college in 1962, Tom started his career working for the Glidden Paint Company in New Orleans, Louisiana. In 1964, Tom moved his wife Judi and young son Brent to Pleasant Hill, California, where he took a job with American Building Maintenance Company (ABM). It was at ABM that Tom would meet some of his closest and lifelong friends. Tom then took a job as Comptroller of a mid-sized Richmond, California manufacturing plant named Veriflo. Subsequently, Tom and two partners would purchase Veriflo from the existing owners and operate the firm until 1998 when the partners sold Veriflo to Parker Hannifin Corporation.

Tom then headed to Ashley Lake, Montana, to retire, where he had fished and hunted for years. He built a log home (and subsequent boat house) on 50 acres on the shores of Ashley Lake for the enjoyment of his family and friends. During his time in Montana, Tom purchased and sold, among other things, a brewery (Lange Creek) and a restaurant, Hilltop Hitching Post, both located in Marion. He enjoyed working on his estate on Ashley Lake, spending his days cutting down trees, landscaping, maintaining the structures and clearing land.

It was in Montana that Tom met some incredibly good friends, too many to mention individually. We personally want to thank each and every one of those friends for their kindness, sincerity and generosity. It was in the last few years that Tom’s Montana friends displayed their devotion and helped him out anytime he needed support (whether he wanted help or not!). Tom was equally devoted to his family and friends, and it is this devotion, kindheartedness and empathy that will forever define his legacy.

Tom was preceded in his death by his daughter Kelly Bates. Tom is survived by his son Brent; daughter-in-law Jennifer; grandchildren Jett, Maddy and Blake; and his sister Karen Lamey.

A tribute to his life will be held in late July or early August at his estate on Ashley Lake. Details to come.