Henry Bates

Henry Bates, 84, a former La Grande city councilor, died Sept. 17. A memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. Friday at the Mount Hope Cemetery at Baker City.

Henry was born May 25, 1925, to John and Hazel Bates in Baker. He was the oldest brother of siblings Glen, Carol (Young), Nancy (Fee) and Susan (Derreck).

He grew up in Baker, later moving to Huntington and graduated with the Huntington Class of 1943. The Baker Class of 1943 still welcomed him as one of their own, and he helped organize and attended many enjoyable reunions with this group.

After graduation, he began working for the Union Pacific Railroad. He worked for the railroad in various jobs for 43 years.

During WWII, he enlisted in the Navy and served in the South Pacific. He saw it all, from Alaska to Tahiti. While on a stop in Long Beach, Calif., he met Roberta Brixey. They were married Nov. 14, 1944.

Henry and Roberta started their married life in Huntington. In 1954 they moved to

La Grande, where they raised their children John, Alicia (Smith), Wayne, Joy (Morris) and Nancy. Henry and Roberta opened their home to foster children, serving as foster parents for 12 years, further extending their family. Henry also was very proud of his grandchildren and honorary grandchildren.

Henry was active in the community of La Grande, serving on the city council from 1973 to 1982. He was a member of the Youth Services Board, serving on the League of Oregon Cities and as a member of the PTA. He had belonged to the La Grande Methodist Church and the La Grande Christian Church.

After the death of his wife, Roberta, in 1997, he moved back to Baker City to be close to his family and friends. In April 2000, he married Ivolene Dunn. They enjoyed fishing together, watching football and going to yard sales. Ivolene preceded him in death.

Henry belonged to the Baker City Methodist Church and was a member of the American Legion where he had served as a chaplain. He was active with the Methodist Church Boy Scout program.

He spent his time finding yard sale treasures, building WWII model airplanes, reading, playing golf and fishing as much as possible. Henry was also known for his waffles. Those who knew Henry say he taught his family and honorary family to be loving, kind and to keep a caring attitude.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to any charity.

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