Dr. J. Wayne Bates passed away peacefully on Tuesday December 10, 2019 surrounded by his loving family at Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital. He is survived by his parents James and Doreen Bates; wife Peggy Bates; daughters Lori Bates and Megan Balske (Timm); sons Michael Bates and Bradley Balske (Shannon); grandchildren Trinity and Caiden; brother David Bates (Cindy); sister Sharon Penty (David); and, many nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed. Born in Hamilton and raised in North Bay, Ontario, Wayne graduated from Queen’s University, Faculty of Medicine, 1969. Wayne served his community as a family physician, anaesthetist and coroner for 45 years. Additionally, he spent many tireless nights working as an emergency physician at Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital as well as delivering many local babies. He was greatly beloved by the patients under his care. Wayne had a passion for hockey, fishing, boating, golfing, gardening, wildlife conservation and education. He had a unique sense of humour and took great delight in telling a joke or pulling a prank. Wayne was an animal lover and rarely without a canine companion at home. In his spare time, he enjoyed collecting stamps with the Barrie District Stamp Club and was an avid member of the Orillia Fish & Game Conservation Club. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of life will be held in Doolittle Chapel of Carson Funeral Homes, 54 Coldwater St. E., Orillia, (705) 326-3595 on Saturday December 14, 2019, from 1-4 P.M. In lieu of gifts or flowers, family kindly ask that you consider donating to the Orillia Fish & Game Conservation Club of which Wayne had been a member.
A Memorial Tree will be planted by the Doolittle Chapel of Carson Funeral Homes.