William "Bill" Bates

We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Stoughton

Hi Joy, My condolences to you and your family at the passing of your dad. It's been a long time since we worked at the hardware store, And you cut hair too! Sincerely, Mary and Phil Tygum

My condolences to the family. Bill was a great guy and well like by everyone. If I recall my facts correctly, Bill started as a truck driver for H&H Electric. He worked his way up and thru the apprenticeship, becoming one of our best foreman and running some of the largest, most complicated projects that H&H Electric completed. As a foreman he was well respected by the people working for him, other contractors, and owners. I don't think I ever heard a nasty word from Bill, he was a hard worker and just an all around good guy. Chip Plummer Former H&H Electric President

To all my cousins & the entire Bates family, So sorry for your loss of a great father, grandfather, and uncle. It was nice to be able to grow up right down Amsterdam Avenue from all of you. Uncle Bill was a hard worker. I remember his H&H truck/van always leaving early each morning around 6-6:30am heading off to work. He would return each day and do some chores around the house. He usually had a project or two going on. He was also one the most patient guys I ever came across. Nothing seemed to ruffle him and all while dealing with a six children household, which is no easy task. The thing I'll miss most is his dry sense of humor. He had a way of saying something that became funnier after you had more time to think about it. A great guy that lived a great life! Rest in peace with Aunt Jo. Tony Cords

My sympathies to the Bates family . Bill was my husband’s foreman and mentor for most of Johns 35 + years with H&H . Bill , according to John , would not take any “ guff “ from anyone . Although I think John and Bill butted heads at times John had the highest respect for Bill as a teacher , foreman and person. I was hoping to make it to the service but am out of town and can’t make it back in time. Hugs to you Diane, I think of you often and when we first met about 50 years ago. Lynette ( John ) Adams