We Remember
BATES, Jeanne Lydia “Jeannie”
August 15, 1944 — December 17, 2024
It is with profound love and sadness that we announce the loss of our dearest Jeannie Lydia Bates, who passed away on December 17, 2024, at the age of 80.
Jeannie was born in Madison, WI, to a wonderful Christian family. Up to the time of her death, she routinely talked about her dear brother, Bob (Lauri); and nieces Betsy and Abby.
There are really no words for how I personally feel about my dearest Jeannie, but I’ll try. First and foremost, she was the most loving and wonderful person that I have ever met — my true soul-mate. The most incredible gift from our loving God, a gift that I didn’t deserve, but God thought otherwise! We read in the Bible how “God is love”, well, I was totally blessed to experience this love shown by Jeannie towards me every single day! She was an excellent teacher of marine invertebrate biology at Bamfield Marine Science Centre and that’s where we first met some 35 years ago, yet it seems like only yesterday. After moving to Kelowna, another wonderful event happened — dearest Miku joined our family, another loving gift from God.
Jeannie was an amazing artist and had major showings at the Kelowna Art Gallery. Her paintings of African animals were based on photographs I took that somehow were much better than my photos. Another spiritual gift was her passion for playing the bassoon with the Kelowna City Band, which she loved so much. The joyful expression on her radiant face during concerts filled me with great joy! Yet another spiritual gift from God was her Japanese-style flower arranging. She studied ikebana with some of the top teachers in Japan. We loved travelling to Japan, perhaps 18 times plus, and we got married there in a small mountain temple surrounded by a bamboo forest. Glorious! God’s grace is everywhere.
Most of all, perhaps, was her gentle loving spirit that sustained me through very difficult times — I am absolutely sure that if God hadn’t placed Jeannie in my life when He did, I would have died long ago. Along with my faith in Jesus, there is our dearest Jeannie, my angel. With a calm and gentle strength, she was able to endure six years of horrific forms of cancer and vascular dementia, but now, thank God, she is resting in the arms of Jesus, free of all suffering with dearest Miku back sitting on her lap! I can’t wait to join them!! Love you dearest Jeannie and miss you beyond words.
A Graveside Service will be held on TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2024, located at Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery, 1991 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna, BC. There will be silent prayers offered by her loving husband, William Bates.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.
Service
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Location
Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery
Dear Bill, You and Jeannie’s family are in our thoughts and prayers. Jeannie accomplished so much in her full life and the love she gave to so many will live on forever in their hearts. Thank you for the beautiful tribute and photo of your dear Jeannie. Sending along BIG HUGS. Love, Sharie and Family. XO
What a beautiful tribute to Jeannie. A life well lived by a lady full of grace, talent, courage, love, and the good fortune of having, by her side, her soulmate who provided all the love and strength she needed. Jeannie is at peace now and we send our deepest sympathies to Bill and all those who loved her.
Grant, Lynsey and the Old Mondoro team.
Dear Bill, I had the pleasure of meeting Jeannie in Tina’s art class where we enjoyed
Dear Bill, Extending most heartfelt sympathies at the loss of most talented and special Jeannie whom I met at Tina’s art class. We bonded in friendship and shared creativie support. I know your mutual love and faith sustained and blessed you both especially through the challenges of your illnesses and will continue on.
Dear Bill & family – your excellent tribute to Jeannie highlighted her many talents and exceptional qualities. You both are an inspiration and support
for us all. We hope our admiration for Jeannie and you may help carry you
through this difficult time. We think often of both of you.
Best regards, Paul, Hilda & family
Oh dear Jeannie. I am so sorry to hear you have left us in body. Your spirit will remain in your artwork, in the music you played as well as in our memories. We shall miss you and we will remember you. What a wonderful tribute you gave, Bill. God bless you and my condolences for your loss.
Bill, I was one of your students at UBCO and loved the courses you taught on epigenetics and African Savannah Biology. I remember you talking fondly of your travels around the world. I’m very sorry to hear of your loss because you were one of my favourite professors of all time and I’m sure it’s partly due to the fact that you had such a great teammate through life. I pray that you would experience the peace that passes all understanding from the Lord as you navigate the days ahead without Jeanne. Blessings,
-Anthony Kuchma