Theodore C. (Ted) Bates, 83, a lifelong resident of Plymouth passed away unexpectedly Saturday morning, January 6, 2018, at the Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Ted was born on September 21, 1934 in Plymouth the son of Clayton and Ida (Frink) Bates. He was educated in the German Hollow, Norwich and Sherburne Central Schools from which he graduated in 1954. Upon completion of high school Ted attended Alfred. Soon after his education Ted gained employment with Norwich Pharmaceuticals from which he retired after 42 years of service. Throughout his years with the company he had worked in all of the plants, Eaton Ave, the research lab facility and the plant in No. Norwich. He retired as a Lab Technician in the microbiology area.
Ted was well known not only in Plymouth but in Norwich and the surrounding area. His gift of gab, Lord knows he liked to talk, and joking around was his trademark. He loved going to the neighbors for coffee and conversation. His unique and special way of carrying on a conversation will forever be remembered. On a more serious side, Ted was a true friend to many and would help in any way. When all the joking and kidding was done his sincerity came thru. Over the years he had helped with words of comfort and prayer at several functions and funeral services.
Ted’s involvement with his community was a testament to his life. He was a 59 year member of the Plymouth United Methodist Church where he had held several offices. The Plymouth Fire Dept, of which he was a member for 59 years, was the recipient of his knowledge and common sense. Over the years he had held various offices within the department. He was a former member of the Plymouth Grange, had been a Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 58, had served as town councilman for the Town of Plymouth, was a member of the Quarter Century Club, a member of the fire brigade at the Norwich Pharmaceutical Co., the Fire Advisory Board, the Plymouth Historical Society and County Fireman’s Association. In his leisure time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, watching sports, especially the Boston Red Sox and the New York Giants.
In a nut shell Ted was a family man, socialite and friend to many. He will truly be missed by all.
On June 16, 1956 at the United Methodist Church in Sherburne he married Ella Larcom who survives. Also surviving are his children; Christie (Thomas) Brown of Groton, Timothy (Donna) Bates of Windsor, Mark (Rebecca) Bates of Norwich and Mathew Bates (Jenn Burns) of Sherburne, 14 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins along with his brother Dennis (Betty Lou) Bates of Norwich, sister-in-law Frances Winton of Norwich and a very special cousin Gladys Wood also of Norwich
Ted was predeceased by an infant daughter Darlinda, his sister and brother-in-law June and Norman Cooley, brother George Bates, mother-in-law Elsie Larcom and brother-in-law Benny Winton
A funeral service for Ted will be held on Thursday, January 11, at 1:00 pm from the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Thanna Howell, Pastor of the Plymouth United Methodist Church will officiate. Friends may call at the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home on Wednesday from 1-3 and 6-8 pm. Interment will be at a later date in the South Side Cemetery of Plymouth.
Please consider memorial contributions to the Plymouth United Methodist Church, P.O.Box 102, Plymouth, NY 13832 or to the Plymouth Fire Dept.