Gary Edward Bates

Gary Edward Bates of Saginaw, MIchigan

Beloved father, grandfather, companion, brother, uncle, and dear friend passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Covenant HealthCare - Harrison. He was born on July 7th, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Adelyn and LeRoy Bates. He was a 1969 graduate of Douglas MacArthur High School. Following graduation, Gary began a lifelong career in sales, eventually finding his passion working in produce at Kessel and ending his career at Roundy's. He met the love of his life, Mary Ann Loiacano, while working at Kessel. They dated, fell in love, and have celebrated 32 years together as a couple. His little piece of heaven was to be the most loving, loyal, and dedicated, father, grandfather, and partner the world has ever seen. Competitive by nature, Gary was an avid golfer, hockey player, and lifelong fan of the Detroit Red Wings and Michigan Wolverines. He proudly coached hockey at both Heritage and Bridgeport High Schools, creating lifelong bonds with students over the years. A lover of good music, he enjoyed spending time listening to the Beach Boys'. Gary was a man of few words but made each word count. He found joy in a crisp iron shot or a long winding putt, standing in goal at the Saginaw-Bay Ice Arena, talking Wolverines Football, discussing Australia, sailing, sports cars, sharing a round of 19th Hole Ultras on the Sawmill deck, admiring a well-manicured lawn, and having Friday dinner with his friends. Gary was a longtime member of the Sawmill Golf Club. Above all, he treasured and cherished his family, especially his children, grandchildren, partner, and his beloved dog, Sophie. Affectionately known as "Papa", he will forever be remembered for his quick wit and sweet smile, his kind yet indomitable spirit, his innate ability to touch souls by leading hockey with passion, and for truly living an amazing life filled with many beautiful memories and stories.

He leaves behind his longtime partner MaryAnn Loiacano of Saginaw; three daughters, Sarah Bates of Bay City; Lisa (Mark Seiler) Bates of Chicago; Laura (Luke VanEekeren) Bates of Chicago; four step-daughters: Lisa (Tom) Doyle of Denver, CO; Mary (Dave) Knoll of Hemlock; Annette (Cameron) Moore of Freeland; Amy (Ryan) Hyatt of Midland; 13 grandchildren: Coen, Raina, Elsie, Adelyn, Lauren, Emma, Andrew, Evan, Camden, Anthony Maryn, Charlie, and Ava Grace; his brother, Terry (Jan) Bates of Grand Rapids; and a sister-in-law, Ida May Bates of Beaverton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy and Adelyn Bates; brother, Roy Kelley Bates.

A Funeral Service will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at the W. L. Case & Company Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Road. Rev. Rob Richards will officiate. Entombment will follow at Oakwood Mausoleum. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral chapel on Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Greater Saginaw Amateur Hockey Association - Player Scholarship Fund. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com