Northborough – Wesley Herbert Bates, 89, passed away peacefully Monday, July 21, 2014. He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Cynthia Ann (Hyde).
A loving husband and father of five children, he leaves Ronald and wife MaryJo of Tucson, Az.; Janis Lynette and husband Dan Harman of Spokane, Wa.; Joyce (Gee) Bates of Northborough; Robert, and wife Diane of Marlborough; and Carolyn (Urrutia) Bates of San Bruno, Ca., along with 19 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren.
He was born in Providence, R.I., to parents Lena (Vanderbeek) and William H. Bates. He was preceded by his brother Stanley of Connecticut.
Following school in 1944, Wesley supported the war effort building Liberty Ships in the Providence shipyard. He worked for Narragansett Electric/New England Electric System then transferred and moved his family to Northborough in 1963. He remained with NEES until his retirement in 1986.
As a youth, Wesley developed his strong character traits as a member of Demolay and then remained a lifelong member as a Mason to Harmony Lodge #9 of Cranston, R.I. He and Cindy joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints in 1958, and were active and devoted members until their passing.
Wesley's funeral service will be held Monday, July 28, at 11 a.m., in the LDS Church, 240 Hemenway St., Marlborough. Prior to the service viewing will be from 9:30 – 10:45 a.m. Burial will follow at Howard Street Cemetery in Northborough.
“God be with us ’til we meet again.”
Hays Funeral Home of Northborough is directing all arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.haysfuneralhome.com.
