NEWPORT, NH– Robert Nichols Bates, 94, passed away on September 10, 2024 at Woodlawn Care Center after a period of declining health. While there is much sadness at the loss of our family patriarch, we are incredibly grateful to have been able to share our lives and love with this special man. Bob would simply have told you that he was blessed to live a wonderful and fulfilling life, thanks to his family and friends. While that is true, we need to add that this kind, loving, and very wise man enriched the lives of his family in ways beyond description, and impacted the lives of countless friends across multiple generations. What a life it was, and what a difference he made!
Bob was born October 16, 1929 in Burlington, VT to Robert Warner Bates and Pearl Nichols Bates. Bob grew up in Lebanon, NH, and developed into a multi-talented young man – a three sport star athlete; a skilled saxophonist; and a participant in chorus and musicals. After graduating from Lebanon High School (Class of 1947), Bob spent one year at Kimball Union Academy (Class of 1948), and then attended Middlebury College for two years.
In 1950, Bob left Middlebury and married his high school sweetheart, Jean Whitney. In 1953, Bob moved with Jean to Newport, NH, where they raised a family that grew to six children. Bob partnered with John DeMayo to open Bates &; DeMayo Mobil Service Station, which became not only a successful business for 20 years, but also an iconic community gathering spot. Bob and Jean came to know Newport as “home”, made great and life-long friendships, and became active contributors to the fabric of the community. Sadly, Bob and Jean grew apart and later divorced.
Bob married Felicia Bessey in 1998. They shared almost 26 years of a joyful and deeply loving life together. As part of their wedding vows, they promised not only to love one another fully and completely, they also promised to honor and support the unconditional love each had for their respective families. With that sudden family expansion, sporting events, concerts, recitals, graduations, weddings, and countless celebrations became an integral part of their lives. Bob was a man who always seemed to know when someone needed a hug or a kind and uplifting word. He also loved a good party, and shall forever remain undefeated in Bates “Car Bomb” chugging challenges.
Bob and Felicia shared travels and adventures together. Whether it was sailing on the Atlantic, campfires at Harvey Lake, parasailing, sitting on a beach in Antigua, a winter rescue off the summit of Mt Washington, critiquing at the Sunapee Harbor boat launch, or trying to skunk one another at cribbage, they were happy simply to be together. Bob and Felicia were very active in the First Congregational Church of Croydon, and treasured their bonds with the members of their church community.
Bob is survived by his wife of 25 years, Felicia Bessey of Sunapee, NH; his children, Dick Bates (Maura) of Enfield, NH; Ann Stillson (Corey) of Hartford, VT, Jim Bates (Michele) of Georges Mills, NH; Tim Bates (Cathy) of Newport, NH; Bob Bates (Becky) of Newport, NH; daughter-in-law Kathy Francoeur Bates (Bill’s wife) of Somersworth, NH; step-children Allison McLean (Geoff) and Ross Rechisky, both of Georges Mills, NH; his nephew, Scott Perkins (Cyndi) of Palmetto, FL; as well as 19 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Bob was pre-deceased by his parents; his former wife, Jean Whitney Bates; his son, Bill Bates; his sister, Barbara Bates Perkins; and his nephew, Alan Perkins.
A private family burial took place at South Cemetery in Sunapee, NH. A memorial service will take place on Thursday October 3, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the South Congregational Church, South Main St, Newport, NH. Per Bob’s request, a celebration of life party will follow at the Croydon Fire Department, Route 10, Croydon, NH from 12:30 – 3:00.
In lieu of flowers, you can honor Bob’s legacy with random acts of kindness, or by making a contribution to a charity of your choice.
