Kelvin Neil Bates

Obituary:

Kelvin Neil Bates aged 64, of The Pas, Manitoba, passed away on December 11, 2025.

Neil was the eldest of three children, born to Sam and Jean (nee Corfield) Bates on April 7, 1961 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Neil moved to The Pas in 1969 and in 1979 graduated high school at Margaret Barbour Collegiate Institute. Neil left The Pas to obtain his Red Seal Refrigeration Mechanic ticket while apprenticing in Ste Rose du Lac and spending time in Kinosota.  Neil moved back to The Pas and managed his own business for over 30 years, working long hours to support his sons and their love of hockey.  Along with his love of hockey and keeping tabs on the Jets; he had a passion for commercial fishing and his Bombardier, spending most of his later years at Goose Lake.  Neil loved to troubleshoot anything and would take time out of his day to drive and spend hours to help family and friends.  The job was not complete until he had solved the issue and explained the reasons why it occurred in the first place. 

Neil was a consistent father and grandparent and cherished time with family.  It was important that he kept in touch with his family, especially his mom.  He spent the fall of 2024 fishing season with his son Alex, hauling in nets and smiling as he drove the boat through rough water, being splashed in the face with each breach of a wave.  Neil was a staple at the rink when his granddaughter’s played hockey and would wait around after the game or practice to give them pointers or retell an important lesson from when his sons were learning the game.  Neil enjoyed golfing with friends and teaching his grandkids the finer points of the game, sometimes using his witty skills to see if they understood or would think twice about what he said. Another essential part of his life was time at the coffee shop or visiting friends, catching up on the latest stories and being thoroughly entertained.

Neil is survived by his sons Dustin Bates (Brianne), Alex Bates (Jessica Bertholet).  His grandchildren Kieva, Eric, Bjork and Ellis.  His mother Jean Corfield; siblings Rick Bates and Samantha Grantham (Kyle) and other family members too numerous to mention. Neil was preceded in death by his father Samuel Bates.

A memorial service will be held on December 30, 2025 at 1pm at Hemauer Funeral Home, 122 Lathlin Ave, The Pas, Manitoba. A private interment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Epilepsy and Seizure Association of Manitoba.

Link for the memorial service to be streamed:

Neil Bates Memorial Service

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

12:50 pm - 2:50 pm (CST)

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/29729043006842?p=6cAzqtoPwq9tBcNlLM

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