Obituary of Leonard E. Bates

Leonard E. Bates of Islesboro, passed away at the age of 88 at the Tall Pines Rehabilitation Center in Belfast. He was the beloved husband of Antoinette R.D. Bates of Islesboro, who passed away Aug. 23, 2012. Leonard was born on June 29, 1924 in Norwood, Mass. to Alice and Roland Bates, where he grew up and attended the local schools. After graduating high school, he majored in engineering and fire science and worked for the Lumber Mutual Fire Insurance Company in Boston. He met and married his first wife, Jean P. Bates of Westwood, Mass. and they raised two boys together before their divorce in the late 1960s. In 1973, Len remarried to Antoinette Dodge of Islesboro, and they lived in Concord, Mass. After many years with the insurance company, he made a life-changing decision to move to Islesboro and become a full-time property caretaker for John and Alice Rogers, Christ Church and other properties around Islesboro. He was very active member of the 2nd Baptist Church, serving in various positions and singing in the choir. He also was an active member in the Masons, Shriners and Eastern Star groups and served as the interim town manager in 1987, was on the board of selectman and other committees on the island. He loved fishing with his family, tinkering with old engines and clocks, singing with local choruses, traveling or just relaxing down at their camp with Toni. Leonard is survived by his two children, Christopher Bates of Westford, Mass., David Bates of Islesboro, four grandchildren, Michael Bates of Nashua, N.H., Craig Bates of Merrimack, N.H., Chad Bates of Merrimack, N.H. and Tanya Bates of Lakewood, Fla. and six great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held Feb. 9 at 11 a.m. at the 2nd Baptist Church in Islesboro. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Mission Lunch, 2nd Baptist Church , P.O Box 17, Islesboro, ME 04848 or The Principal’s Fund, Islesboro Central School, c/o Heather Knight, P.O Box 118, Islesboro, ME 04848 to help island children in need of school equipment.