Ian Bates Memorial | Forever In Our Hearts

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Obituary

After a long and fulfilling life, our beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully in his sleep. Ian lived life to the fullest, with a distinguished and far-reaching career as a leader in his field of Electrical Engineering with the SECV, and as a respected Professor at RMIT. He was a Christian man with a remarkable generosity of spirit, a love of education, and he took immense pride and joy in the achievements of his much-loved children and grandchildren. He will be deeply missed and forever loved by his wife Carol, daughters Catherine, Elissa, Michele and Helena, and his cherished grandchildren Corey, Kahlia, Jackson, Sam, Jessica, Charlie and Lucas.

Ian's family created this memorial page to celebrate Ian’s life and build a lasting online legacy in his memory.

You are warmly invited as family, friends, colleagues, students and community members from Australia and internationally to share stories, memories and photos. Every contribution helps tell the story of Ian’s life.

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Memories

Tributes

Ian first saw me in an SECV interview for a newly novice engineer in early 1979. Fondly I remember the day: morning flight to Melbourne, the cordial Q&A non-stressful session, the kind job offer (the only job I had with the SEC and its successors till my retirement), the SEC canteen lunch (unexpectedly for an interviewee but it was Ian’s friendly & kind act), and the happy return trip to my quiet Adelaide’s Residential College & my gentle campus of South Australian University.

In the following decade, I worked in his Division/Department/Departments Group indirectly (via my Group/Section Managers) and directly (“one-on-one” in a number of times, including few low & high challenges of his day in certain projects). His unwavering determination and work ethics were hard to follow.

My work life seemed routinely normal, however deeply shaped by his decision and support of the SECV post

Dear Carol, Cath, Sis, Sheli and Leens..

At such a difficult time it’s hard to know what to say. I’m sorry I can’t be there but Lilian, Liam and Caitlyn will be, to celebrate Ian’s life; another Bates over-achiever.

I’ll remember Uncle Ian, as a fellow electrical engineer, who excelled in the world of electricity transmission requiring a brain that could comprehend the mathematics, physics and electromagnetics of extra high voltage electricity transmission. He was remarkable in his technical field, as well as the footy field.

It’s a world that will miss his capability in a technical sense, and his sporting prowess.

From a family perspective his loss is jarring, unexpected and yet another reminder that our time eventually comes, and somehow we have to find a way to cope.

Sending you so much love, so many hugs and we can all perhaps take comfort that up above,

This is John, Ians neighbour. He was such a kind and lovely person and we were so lucky to have him as our friend and neighbour. We will miss him greatly and his name will be forever remembered as a kind and loving gentleman.

Thank you all kindly for the Memorial Page to celebrate Ian’s life and build a lasting online legacy in his memory and the Gallery's Memories. A long and fulfilling life.
Dear Ian, Rest in Peace !

Ian,
Although we hadn't known Ian for very long we realised he was a very conscientious, reliable secretary at the end of my time as president of the Maroondah Fellowship of Churches. So thank you Ian for you being a caring, compassionate member of the Body of Christ walking in the Way of Jesus.
Fay and Colin

It was always a pleasure to run in to Ian at Saturday sport. It was clear you would drop everything to be there for your grandkids and take joy in their accomplishments.
A heartfelt thank you for being there for my Dad in his last years. You were a kind and caring man looking out for your older brother showing that tireless dedication to family and others.

Ian Bates Tribute 6 Image by Mathew Bates

All of my life I have been aware of how my siblings have my back. Ian most certainly had my back when at age 5 I decided to find out what happened when you put your finger into the electric washing machine wringer!!!! I clearly remember I was in the outside wash house at Lakes Entrance while Ian was applying white cleaner to his cricket boots by the tank stand. I remember it being a sunny summer day, presumably a Saturday with Ian preparing for cricket. I also remember thinking to myself “I wonder what happens if I put my finger here”. Instantly, I found out!!! The wringer “sucked in my pointer finger” and stopped as I had made a fist with the rest of my fingers. The wringers kept tugging whilst my fist stopped my hand from further progression through the wringer. I started yelling, Ian dropped his boots and ran to the washing machine. Hitting the wringer release leaver, he stopped

I had the pleasure of caring for Ian during his stay at Warrandyte Gardens Care community. I grew fond of Ian and I loved listening to his remarkable life story. I could of chatted to him for hours. I loved the way his whole face lit up when he saw his wife Carol, and the love he had for his family.
He was a true gentleman who always held the door for the ladies and the staff to go through first.
He is missed by many at the care home, some who still talk about him to this day.
I miss his intellectual conversation and his handy gardening advice.
It was an absolute honour to care for such a man, such a proud man in all aspects of life and just such a nice man.
Rest easy Ian
Thoughts are with the entire family
Warrandyte Gardens Care Community staff who cared for Ian couldn't attend today but we all gathered around the screen in the nurses station and bid you farewell

Ian is the reason why we are Australia today. For that we are eternally grateful to him. Technically he was my mentor and supervisor; but in reality he was a true friend and a fatherly figure.
I don't think I've known a more gracious, generous and humble couple than Ian and Carol. If you asked Ian to walk a mile, he'll walk two with you. He'll do it with a smile, and without even you realising it! He lived a Christian life by example. We praise God for blessing our lives through Ian.
We will miss him.

Dear brother Ian was one of the “Bates kids”, as we were known growing up in Lakes Entrance. Our parents, Vera and George Bates, had their family in stages: first George, Jack and Harvey, then Lois—who, it was said, was spoiled no end by the older three. Then came Brian, Robert and Ian, who were in turn spoiled by Lois. Finally, there was Neil and sister, Barbara. I like to think that we last three spoiled both of them.
My brother was a very special person. He was highly intelligent, an exceptionally good footballer, and a devoted husband, father and “pa”. I should make a small confession here: I was the brother who tried to take the tin whistle from Ian, with the well known result. What is less well known is that after the “clip around the ears”, I was also sent off to buy the ice cream that followed Mum’s treatment.
As children, Ian, Robert and I were particularly close. We played cr

Being the first Bates baby of my generation Uncle Ian was only 15 when I was born. He and Uncle Robert were the babysitters of my early childhood - how mum and dad must have appreciated that. Sundays at Sunday school run by uncle Ian but at the Christmas party I knew who Santa was because he was wearing uncle Ian's shoes! He and Carol were staying with us in Sydney on their honey moon the night my appendix ruptured so another nights baby sitting while mum and dad whisked me off. My strongest memories of Ian are a softly spoken gentle man with a heart of gold and a brain ahead of his time. A goofy laugh a lovely smile. A life well lived and well loved. A life to be celebrated. All my love to Aunty Carol, the girls and their families. So very sorry I cannot be there with you.
Janenne

I first met Ian in 2003, and over the years he became far more than a former boss to me — he became a dear friend, mentor, father figure, and a deeply treasured part of our family’s life.

When I met my husband, introducing him to Ian and receiving Ian’s approval meant so much to me. Over time, Ian and Carol became close friends to both of us and to our extended family as well. Ian stood beside us as a witness at our wedding, and together they shared in the joy of welcoming our children into the world. Through every season of life, Ian was there with kindness, wisdom, encouragement, and quiet support. Knowing he was always there brought such comfort and reassurance to our family.

One memory that will always stay with us is when Ian sat on the floor with our son, helping him put together a puzzle Ian had gifted him. After watching him so thoughtfully, Ian smiled and said, “Your son

Ian Bates Tribute 12 Image by Tsegereda Abbay

My immediate recollection is on hands & knees crawling around Box Hill oval looking for a contact lens. Granny Bates directing the search. I had no clue what a contact lens was.
Softly spoken, always a message or homily to be noted, delivered with wit.

One of nine siblings with a connection so unique, it can only be felt, not explained.
The end of another chapter in the book of Bates’ of Lakes Entrance.

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die…” Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 and The Byrds version of Pete Seeger’s song
Turn! Turn! Turn!
To everything, turn, turn, turn
There is a season, turn, turn, turn
And a time to every purpose under heaven
A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep
To everything, turn, turn, turn
T

Ian Bates Tribute 14 Image by Kimberley "KB" Bates

More than 40 years ago Uncle Ian had a conference in Montreal and visited me. This photo is at the top of Mt Royale during that visit. As I had been living there for about 12 months by then and was more than a little homesick, I was thrilled to spend time with him. It was special time which he did not let be spoiled due to him being injured when hit by the mirror of a passing bus when he looked the wrong way crossing the street!
Always self depreciating he did not hold any rancour with the bus driver despite a rather large "hole" in his hand. Always with a smile and words of encouragement, I know he will be missed in many hearts.

Ian Bates Tribute 15 Image by Christine Lane

Ian Bates Tribute 16 Image by Barbara Bates

One very special memory of Pa for me was the day of my graduation. I’ve often been told that “engineering was in my blood” and prior to graduating, I was fortunate enough to do a few stints of work experience with Pa over the years. Being able to have him at my graduation was such a proud moment for both of us; one that I’ll never forget.

Every time I met Ian we had wonderful conversations about football, his early life experiences, and the time he spent working at RMIT. Ian and I bonded over the fact that we both studied at Melbourne University, and I loved hearing his stories about what it was like to be a student when he was a young man. Although the exact details escape me now, one of the most memorable stories Ian told me involved him either riding a motorbike, or hitchhiking on one, to get back home from school. Ian was an incredibly intelligent and friendly man, who was always up for a chat. You will be missed Ian, rest in peace.

Sincerest of apologies for both Nicole and my inability to join you in the celebration of life for Uncle Ian.

In my memory, Ian will not just be remembered as one of the many wonderful uncles from Mum’s family, but for his connection to Box Hill football club. I have many memories of growing up talking to Uncle Ian about his football, and to me he was most certainly an icon of the sport. I never saw him play - but I was in awe of this footy player in my world.

Lots of love to you all through this incredibly difficult time.

Marty, Nicole and family x

I have 2 special memories of pa. One from a very long time ago when i was only about 6 years old. Pa took the cousins out to Kalinda oval to teach us how to kick a footy. But instead of teaching us, he mainly just used us as specky bags to show us he still had it, even at 70! and that he proved, taking one of the best marks i’ve seen to this day over my dad.

The other memory is from just last year at Pa’s birthday, where me and liv were telling mama and pa all about the travels we had just done throughout Europe. Every now and then Pa would add in a story back from when he went to Europe. He seemed to find it especially funny how their power lines had been set up. I couldn’t say i took much notice to this while i was there, but watching him and mama laugh together and share stories will be a memory that sticks with me forever.
also Cath managed to get a photo of this exact moment s

Ian Bates Tribute 20 Image by Sam Pachacz

This photo is so so special to me. It is the last time I spent with my dear dad on Sunday 3rd May 2026 at Warrandtye Gardens Care Community in North Ringwood. Doesn't he look amazing at 85!!
He was so happy and relaxed that day and we know that this feeling of peace continued for him into the week leading up to 8th May - a true blessing to us given the huge shock and sadness we all feel xxxx

Ian Bates Tribute 21 Image by Catherine Bates

One memory of Pa that I hold especially close is the last time he visited, when he brought me my Melbourne Cup sweep winnings - a tradition he kept alive for our family year after year. I didn’t know then it would be the last time I saw him, but I’m so grateful for that moment. It’s one I will always cherish.

RIP Ian (aka Pa) – always friendly, generous, and standing tall at the heart of the proud Bates clan, with Carol by his side. Thanks for our many footy chats, your love and acceptance of Zoe and I into the family, and for allowing me to 'marry into' Box Hill Hawks royalty - what a bonus! You will be missed 💛🤎🖤🤍

One of my recent favourite memories with Ian (my dad) was playing "Minute to Win it" quiz game being run by the wellbeing staff at his residential care home, Warrandyte Gardens. My dad Ian, my son Lucas and I were playing the game with a group of other residents. Everyone was asked to think of all the things they could, in certain categories. As many of the residents had been diagnosed with Dementia (as dad was in January 2026) I was impressed to note that this was a clever way to support cognitive skills, disguised as a game. Participants had to get as many answers as they could within a time limit, for categories of things such as:
(1) "Types of flowers" (his answer: Dahlias of course! (like the ones he grew in his garden shown on the banner at the top of this page);
(2) Car makes / models (his answer: Ford Fairlane 500, V8 - our family car in the 1980's, of course!) and
(3) "Bod

Ian Bates Tribute 24 Image by Michele J Brooks

My incredible parents and the enduring love for each other. Here is dad on his 85th birthday in 2025.

Ian Bates Tribute 25 Image by Catherine Bates

Chatting over lunch on the first day arriving at Warrandyte Gardens. Engaged and full of opinions right til the end was our dear Pa

Ian Bates Tribute 26 Image by Elissa Bates

Dad and me at a Pies footy game! AFL: Pies | VFL: Hawks xx

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