Robert Alyn Bates, 81, of Hancock, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 12, 2014 at home and has no doubt already enchanted the angels with his farm tales of the good old days.

Robert was born July 26, 1933 in Salisbury, Connecticut to the late Joseph and Josephine (McGee) Bates.

Robert was one of nine children and he started working on a family farm at the age of 15 for his Uncle William Bates. Later on in his life, Bob began working for Jake and Winnie Bryden in Delhi, New York. Robert continued working there until an accident derailed his working days on the farm for good. Bob loved the farm life and had a great affinity for animals. He also enjoyed visiting with anyone who would listen to his old farm stories.

Robert enjoyed crafts such as rug hooking, putting together bird houses and then painting them, as well as making gift boxes from old greeting cards. Bob would work all year long making gifts for others just to make their Christmas better. He often mentioned his Christmas as a child; each child received a brand new pair of overalls and an orange. Bob loved to be outdoors either walking the dog or seeing what the neighbors were up to. When in season, he could shuck corn faster than a professional corn shucker, just because it was one of his most favorite foods.

Robert is survived by his older brother, Leonard Bates and his wife Ruth, of Windsor, CT; his sisters, Winnifred King of Lebanon, TN; and Eleanor Klug of Wheeling WV; and several nieces, nephews, as well as great nieces, and nephews. Bob resided in the Haugen Family Care Home with Cathy and Craig Haugen in Cadosia for the past 10 years and will be greatly missed. Robert is predeceased by brothers Gerry, Wheaton, Walter and Gene.

Friends and family are invited to call on Tuesday October 21, 2014 from 10AM – 11AM at St. Paul the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 346 W Main Street, Hancock. A funeral mass will be held at the church at 11AM with Rev. Chris Welch, officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Paul the Apostle Roman Catholic Church Cemetery.