Lucy,
Yesterday, Mom and I attended a memorial service for Dan Bates, who passed away on May 2, 2020. With time, there is an opportunity to celebrate life without as much sadness and shock. That noted, we all miss Dan very much.
The celebration of Dan's life was at Westlake Hills Presbyterian, and titled "Service to the Resurrection and Thanksgiving for the of Witness the life of Daniel Joseph Bates, Sr."
The church was packed with family and friends, young and old. Dan's brother LJ (Little John), Tim Timmerman, and Dan's two kids (Daniel and Francis) shared thoughts on Dan, and all did a beautiful job. I was struck by how they all talked about things I knew well about Dan (avid baseball and sports fan, hard-working CPA, a person who cared deeply about others, quick-witted) from years of golfing together. I was also saddened to learn so many interesting things about Dan I did not know. For example, Dan was a writer and wrote a series of letters to his family titled, 'Dear Kathy' and a comical recap of Daniel's baseball games, titled 'Otherside of the Universe.' He was also a man of deep faith and a Sunday School teacher for years. I am not sure we ever discussed that?
I am asking why men often have a hard time really learning about each other and sharing their deepest thoughts? At least golf (or hunting or fishing) puts us together for 9 or 18 holes, and we have a chance to learn a bit more, but we often still keep things fairly hidden.
Here's Dan's obituary where you can learn more.
Rest in peace Dan Bates and we got a lot to talk about one day!
Dad
