January 29, 2024

Randy Lee Bates passed away peacefully on January 29, 2024, at the age of 72, after a lengthy battle with heart disease. He is survived by his wife Kathy Bates, his children Russell (Olivia) Bates and Kristina Lee, his grandchildren Elainah and Teaghynn Bates, and Germaine and Dakota Lee. As well as his sister Pamela (Dave) Gunderson, his sisters-in-law Wendy (Darryl) Billett & Andrea Lane, with his many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Jack & Barbara Bates. With so many family members and friends being near and dear to Randy’s heart we are unable to name each and every one of you, but you are acknowledged and honoured.

Randy spent most of his life at Bates Bar J Ranch, a well-loved children’s horse-riding camp northwest of Cochrane, AB, where he met his wife Kathy, raised his beloved children Russell & Kristina, watched his grandchildren explore the same hills, valleys, and rivers as he did. Originally founded by his parents, The Ranch evolved into a place where people came to meet, grow, and create lifelong friendships and memories. Randy thrived there surrounded by his family, working hard with the horses, the children and all his people. He was a man with a plethora of knowledge, and the gift of gab (especially after his political career on council in MD of Bighorn) he built his own log home, he learned to silversmith, leather work, and wood art. He was always able to answer your questions, sit down and shoot the breeze with you, or stir the pot with his friends. Randy sat tall in the saddle (until he was dumped on his ass), worked hard with his giant hands, and always took the time to teach those who sought his knowledge. He loved to have fun, and always had a ready laugh. Randy loved his friends, but maybe not too much, as anyone who went with him collecting horses, were sacrificed to ride the rank colts, the ones that needed the hours in the saddle, and none may understand this more than Randy’s lifelong friend Garry. Others may remember Randy for his shenanigans during the wagon rides, racing down the fields, and epic mud fights.

Randy retired from summer camp life in 2012, but continued on with the work, building his dream home on the hill overlooking the valley. He continued to work his fields, tend a much smaller herd of horses, and teach the grandchildren anything he could, like driving the car, or braiding reins. His favourite pastime was to fall asleep in his chair while reading his book, but the thing he loved best of all, was visiting with his favourite people.

Randy’s last adventure was to move with his family to Kamloops, to get away from the Alberta winters, be close to the fruit markets, and enjoy his new valley, with the trees, hills and creek running nearby.

“If every single person who has liked you in your lifetime were to light up on a map, it would create the most glitteringly beautiful network you could imagine. Throw in the strangers you’ve been kind to, the people you’ve made laugh, or inspired along the way, and that star-bright web of you would be an impressive sight to behold.”

You – Donna Ashworth

Randy, you connected with so many people, made them laugh, made them think,
and helped them grow. Your map of lights in this world is brilliant. Your loss will be felt by so many.

There will be a celebration of life for Randy, June 1, 2024, in the Cremona Community Hall in Cremona, Alberta at 1:30 p.m.

You may offer a message of condolence at Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services for the Bates family.

• Date : 2024-01-29
• Location : Kamloops