Fredrick “Rick” James Bates, of Prosser, entered into rest on July 19, 2018 after a battle with cancer. He was born on April 1, 1946 in Pasco, Washington to Forrest “Pappy” and Gwendolyn Bates. He was raised in Prosser and graduated from Prosser High School in 1964.
Rick served in the US Army from August 1966-August 1968 in Korea during the Vietnam Era. Upon returning from the service, he married and had two children, Gina Rene in October, 1970 and Sheila Marie in April, 1974.
Rick worked various jobs throughout the years. In 1992 he met his soul mate, Robin, and in August of 1993 they married in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. They resided in both Warden and Prosser. He enjoyed raising pigeons, classic cars, hunting, fishing, camping and spending time outdoors.
Rick is survived by his loving wife, Robin; daughters, Gina Bradley (Sean) all of Prosser and Sheila Kassinger (Dan) of Grandview; brother, Neal Bates of Spokane; step-children, Toby Schweighardt of Hubbard, OR, Jason Brock (Jessica Olsen) of Omak, WA, Cassandra Brock (Will Clark) and Jeff Greeno, all of Spokane; and 17 grandchildren. He is also survived by his niece, Brenda Slack (Brian) of Kennewick and his nephew, Michael Plewak of Spokane. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be held at Prosser Funeral Home on Thursday, August 2nd from 4:00-7:00 PM.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 3rd at Prosser Funeral Home. Concluding services and burial with Full Military Honors will follow at the Prosser Cemetery. You may leave a message for the family at www.Prosserfuneralhome.com