Obituary of Gary Allen Bates

Gloversville, NY-Gary Allen Bates, age 67, a lifelong Gloversville resident, passed away Wednesday afternoon, March 8, 2017 at Mountain Valley Hospice, Gloversville. At the time of his passing he was in the comfort of his family members and best friend, Ken Williams. He was born in Gloversville on Sept. 9, 1949, son of the late Walter and Erma (Lamont) Bates and educated in Gloversville schools. He was united in marriage with Nancy A. Young at Freemont Methodist Church, Gloversville; a union of 24 years. He was last employed with Gloversville DPW as a heavy equipment operator where he was employed for over 34 years of dedicated service. Gary was an avid hunter and fisherman. He had a passion for classic cars especially his 1965 Pontiac Catalina. He loved attending car shows and the comfort of his back deck enjoying feeding the wildlife. Survivors include his wife, Nancy at home; son, Shaun Knapp and wife Kristine of Gloversville and his grandson on the way, Colton Michael Knapp. He was preceded in death by his sister, Beverly Bates Lang. The family will receive relatives and friends at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont St., Gloversville, on Monday, March 13, 2017 6-8 p.m. The funeral will commence at 10 am on Tuesday, March 14th, from the chapel of the funeral home with the Rev. Dr. R.W. Williams, officiating. Procession will follow to Ferndale Cemetery where he will be laid to rest. Kindly consider memorial offerings in his name to the Mountain Valley Hospice or American Kidney Foundation; envelopes are available at the funeral home. To offer online condolences to the family, click to the left.