Joseph Roy Bates (February 5, 1955 – September 26, 2025)
Joe Bates, 70, passed away September 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Joe is survived by his wife of 44 years, Catherine (Chisholm) Bates, and his two children, Adam (Tara) Bates and Jennifer (Billy) Dobson, of whom he could not have been prouder. His greatest joy in life was being proud Papa to his grandchildren, Jack & Logan Bates and Marla Dobson.
Joe will be dearly missed by siblings, Pat (Tom) Henderson, Mary (Roger Kennie) Bates, Wally (Joyce) Bates, and Kathy Bates. "Uncle Joe" was loved by many nieces and nephews, all of whom were very special to him, including Heather (Chisholm) Oldroyd, who was like a daughter.
He was predeceased by his parents, Roy Joseph & Anna Mae (Kenny) Bates, father and mother in-law, William James & Evelyn (Cunningham) Chisholm, sister-in-law, Karen (Chisholm) Vyse, and niece, Anita Vyse.
Joe was born in New Glasgow, raised in Rothesay, New Brunswick, then moved back home to Westville Road, where he attended West Pictou High School. He then met Cathy, the absolute love of his life, and they settled in the North End of New Glasgow, where they raised their children. Joe loved kids and their home was often full of their children’s friends and cousins, who all felt at home on Poplar Street. "Gotta love it!", as Joe would say.
Joe was a Red Seal Electrician, working all over Canada, and he beamed with pride when speaking about his work. Having worked out west for almost 20 years, a special highlight was the time he spent working alongside his son, Adam. He was a proud member of the IBEW Local 625. When he finally retired, he enjoyed his freedom.
Joe was a steadfast support to many. His 70 years of life were full of happiness, love, a successful career, many friends, a very happy family, and his wife, Cathy, keeping him on track. Joe enjoyed having daily "conversations" with his brother, Wally (knowing he was always right). His favourite times were when family, friends, and neighbours popped in for a visit, where they were sure to be greeted with a cold Blue, BBQs on the deck, and a jar of pickles in the fridge. He enjoyed summer days at Cathy’s family cottage in Guysborough, always finding fun ways to keep the kids entertained. Then all winter, between driving kids to the rink, you could find him cheering on his favourite team, the Montreal Canadiens. GO HABS GO!
Joe lived big and loved big, always showing others how much he cared. He had a zest for life and was the happiest person in any room. He embraced life with enthusiasm and joy, and his passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
To the doctors, nurses, and staff on the Oncology and Palliative Care Units at the Aberdeen Hospital, we cannot thank you enough for the respect and care you showed our dad this past year. Donations may be made in Joe’s name to the Oncology Patient Fund or the Palliative Care Fund through the Aberdeen Health Foundation.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, October 2, at 11:00am at Saint John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, 390 High St., New Glasgow, with Father Godwin Kalu, SMMM officiating. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. Reception to follow in the church hall. Arrangements are under the direction of R.H. Porter Funeral Home.
