Harold Bates

Harold Bates was a loving and caring man who found great happiness in quiet moments together with his family. He was an inventive handyman who could build anything a project required - or his heart desired. He was a thinker and a doer, and above all, a great father.

The late 1930's marked a continuing shift in the American way of life. As the Great Depression finally subsided, the people faced a new and far more serious challenge in the form of World War II. It was an era of change and apprehensiveness for people across the globe.

The problems of the world seemed somewhat distant on August 31st, 1939 when Harold Douglas Bates was born in Osseo, Michigan. He was the youngest of four boys born to Harland and Jennie Bates. Harold led a normal childhood of the times; he played many sports, hunted squirrels and often went fishing. Harold befriended young Megan Sprague at the tender age of 6, as both families worked together and were friends. Megan and Harold became lifelong friends from this young age and would eventually grow up to be husband and wife.

Harold attended school at Hillsdale high where he was a standout football player. As graduation neared Harold began to receive offers from many colleges and even was offered a shot at quarterback for the Detroit Lions. When he wasn't being actively scouted, he spent time tinkering with his "baby" a 1949 Ford. He possessed a superior mechanical ability and this would come in very handy as he began his career. Harold and Megan began to date towards the end of high school and waited until a year after they graduated to get married. That magic day finally came on May 3rd, 1958.

Harold's hopes at a career in football were dealt a critical blow when he lost the ability to play during a scrimmage game one day. Though this must have disappointed him greatly, he chose instead to find a good job to support himself and his new wife. He took his first real job at Essex Wire in Hillsdale.

With a steady income, Megan and Harold began to plan their family. Together they had 2 children, Mike and Jodie. Harold was a kind and loving father to his children; he was quiet and respectful and always put his family first.

He jumped at the chance for a better job in 1968 and moved the entire family to Kalamazoo in order to take a job at Fisher Auto Body. His trade was that of a tool and die maker, which borrowed from and augmented his natural mechanical ability. At home, Harold was never the type of person to hire something done; he instead took on every repair or project single-handedly. He built his own tools whenever he was able, and could turn even the most hopeless scrap heap into a fully functioning machine.

Building things was a hobby for Harold, and his creations never ceased to amaze. Harold had a soft spot for experimental aircraft and once built a gyro-copter which was later turned it into a riding leaf-blower. Harold also had a passion for Volks Wagons of which he built his own VW Trike and VW Truck. Being the ever creative person that he was, he even dug his own well with a Volkswagen that he converted into a digging apparatus. Harold also was a big fan of motorcycles and always had one around to ride on.

He once built his own Montessa motorcycle from a bushel basket of parts he had bought. Harold retired from GM in 1993 and spent his later years tinkering with his toys and spending time with his family. He always jumped at a chance to see the grandkids, especially when they could do something together. Working in his garage with his grandson, Kodi was always a great source of pleasure for him. He often commented on how intelligent and creative he was. Harold had a great time recently fishing with his granddaughter off of their deck. She caught a fish big enough to serve for dinner, which is exactly what the family did. It was quiet moments like these that Harold enjoyed the most - private and special memories that warmed his heart without fanfare or grandeur. He was an honest gentleman who found great happiness in the closeness and comfort of his family.

Harold passed away on Friday August 8th, 2003 at Lakeview Community Hospital in Paw Paw. He is predeceased by his parents and a brother, Orin Doolittle. He is survived by his wife, Megan of Paw Paw; a son, Mike (Amie) Bates of Bloomingdale; two daughters, Jodie Bates and Michelle Henri both of Paw Paw; two brothers, Harland "Junior" (Shirley) Bates, Jr. and Gene (Harriet) Doolittle both of Hillsdale, MI; grandchildren, Kodi and Chelsea Bates of Bloomingdale and his dog and special companion, Annie. Friends will be received on Monday from 6-8 PM at the Betzler & Thompson Funeral Home M-40 South of I-94. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 1:00 PM Tuesday at the funeral home with Rev. Jim Dyke officiating. Interment will be in Wildey Cemetery. To read Harold's complete life story, share a memory, send flowers, or make a memorial contribution to the West Michigan Cancer Center, please visit his personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.

Harold was a man with an amazing gift. Both his clever machines and his reassuring presence will be greatly missed.