2017 -- S 0626

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LC002159

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2017

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE DAVID E.

BATES

     Introduced By: Senators Paiva Weed, Ruggerio, Algiere, Coyne, and Felag

     Date Introduced: March 23, 2017

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     WHEREAS, It is with great sadness that this Senate has learned of the passing of our

former colleague, the Honorable David E. Bates on March 8th, 2017. He is survived by his wife of

fifty-three years, Anne; and

     WHEREAS, Senator Bates was born on April 21, 1941. He graduated from Wakefield

High School in Massachusetts in 1959, and from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, in

1963. Mr. Bates was an insurance agent by occupation and for many years was the owner and

President of A.N. Nunes Insurance Agency in Bristol, Rhode Island; and

     WHEREAS, Senator Bates was passionate about politics and community service

throughout his life. He began his distinguished public service career in 1970 when he joined the

Barrington Planning Board, a position he held from 1970 to 1980. He was elected to the

Barrington Town Council in 1982, serving until 1992. He was elected Town Council President in

1984 and served in that capacity until 1988; and

     WHEREAS, Senator Bates was elected to the Rhode Island State Senate in 1992,

representing the communities of Barrington and Bristol. A natural leader, he was chosen to serve

as the Minority Whip for many years. Senator Bates was a highly respected and well-liked

member of the Rhode Island State Senate who served our state with distinction and tireless

devotion; and

     WHEREAS; Senator Bates was always giving back to his community and involved in

charitable endeavors in his free time. He was a member of the Bristol Rotary Club, serving as

their President from 1988 to 1989, and the Rhode Island Insurance Agents Association, serving as

their President for several years. He was also a member of the East Bay Chamber of Commerce,

the Rhode Island Lottery Commission, and the Barrington Republican Town Committee. In his

younger years, he enjoyed coaching numerous Barrington youth hockey teams with his best

friend, Frank Sternberg; and

     WHEREAS, Senator Bates, in addition to his wife, Anne, he leaves behind his daughter

Susan Layer and her husband, Gregg, and his son Scott Bates and his wife, Kim. He also leaves

behind his grandchildren Lindsay, Michael, Matthew, Meghan, and Kasey now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of the Honorable David E. Bates; and be

it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Anne Bates and Family.

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LC002159

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