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April 13, 1920 - August 8, 2020
With profound sadness the family of K. Estelle Bates announces her passing on August 8, 2020.
Born in Vancouver, April 13, 1920, the beloved only child of John and Estelle Robinson, Mom went on to have a remarkable life. Mom chose nursing as a career, graduating as a RN and then continuing her education to become a public health nurse.
Her adventures began with her first posting in the Cariboo area of BC. Mom shared many stories of this posting including getting stuck on the road until a Highway maintenance crew rescued her.
One of her public health postings brought Mom to Vancouver Island, which was to become her forever home. Her adventures as a nurse continued in Comox Valley where her territory included Cumberland, Bevan, as well as Denman Island, which she travelled to in an open boat.
Mom met her future husband George Bates and they married in 1952. As Mom and Dad worked hard to establish a fishing and camping resort (Bates Beach Resort) they welcomed and are survived by 5 children Kathleen Leighton (Harold), George (Jean), Anne Bitonti (Carl), John (Josie) and Harold (Deanna) 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
These were very busy years for Mom as she raised her family and ran a fishing resort. Her day included everything from cleaning cabins to making sandwiches for fishermen, never mind the extra guests at the table of which there always seemed to be at least one.
Mom never knew what was coming in the door including the pet deer Penny that came right in the house and made itself at Home.
Mom had a strong Christian belief and was able to fulfill a lifelong dream to visit Israel. Although she was older when she made this trip it didn't stop her from riding a camel and holding on with dear life to her purse during an attempted snatching. She so enjoyed this trip she went back for a second time.
Was very close to many of her friends from nursing school, she continued to keep in touch with them. She went on an Alaskan cruise with a fellow graduate some fifty years later.
Mom's strong Christian faith prompted her to help people and never to judge those less fortunate, Mom spent many enjoyable hours volunteering at various Christian based centers including the healing room in Courtenay and in Toronto during an extended stay there.
Mom continued to host friends and those needing help well into her 90's and only a fall at 95 resulting in a broken ankle put an end to her devotion to helping those in need.
The family is so grateful to Dr. Hunter, who was Mom's Doctor for many years, the staff at Glacier View Lodge, where Mom was so happy to be. A special thank you to Gary, who kept us connected to Mom through her last months during this Covid time.
Also thanks to Martha who worked at Abbeyfield during Mom's stay there.
Go in peace Mom, your family loves you; you lead a truly selfless life, an example for us all.
In Mom's words "Passed from death to life. Jesus is life"
Private family interment has taken place at Courtenay Civic Cemetery.

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