Obituary of Wayne Harold Bates

Passed away peacefully with family by his side at Riverdale Health Centre, Rivers, Manitoba, on September 1, 2025 at the age of 96. Reunited with his beloved wife Valerie. Left to mourn his passing are his brother-in-law, Gary Benson; sister-in-law, Yvonne Wilson; nieces Krystal Turner and Fran McKay and her family.

Wayne joined the PPCLI on the 4^th of February of 1948, where he proudly served his country for 14 years before being honourably discharged on November 7, 1962. He dedicated his military career by deploying to Korea and Germany.  After his discharge, he spent time in the Royal Navy as a rescue diver, as well has earning several levels of sea diving through the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons. Throughout the next while, Wayne furthered his education by earning several certificates. From 1979-1993, Wayne was part of the Canadian Association of Prosthetics and Orthotists, where he was a proud Prosthetist.

Wayne is predeceased by his best friends who became his family; Bob Wilson, George and Norma Sanderson and Sandra Benson. 

Wayne was always determined to learn something. Whether it was teaching himself to speak German, Cree, Michif, or how to use a computer, he was never content to just sit. He had an incredible life, and we each learned something from him.

Wayne’s family has fond memories of him, Val, Gary and Sandra going on adventures hunting, fishing, camping, and snow-shoeing and spending time together in Grand Rapids. He will be held dear in the hearts of each life he touched.

In keeping with Wayne’s wishes a cremation has taken place. He and Val will be interred together in the Field of Honour at Brookside Cemetery in Winnipeg along with a Celebration of his Life at a later date.