Obituary of Ronald K. Bates

Bates, Ronald K. PRESTON HOLLOW - Ronald K. "Roniferd" Bates passed away on Sunday, June 17, 2012. He was born at home in Preston Hollow on Sept. 12, 1940, the first of Omar and Theresa (Cook) Bates' four children. Ronnie was schooled in a one room schoolhouse and later attended Middleburgh Central School where he was an active member of the Future Farmers of America club. While employed at GNH Lumber he was drafted into the US Army, where a part of his duty was driving a USO tour bus across America. Following his discharge he began his employment with the Albany County Sheriffs Department as a road patrol officer out of the Voorheesville Sub-station, and later worked the security detail at the Albany International Airport until his retirement. He continued as a bus driver for the Cairo- Durham School District until he began his present employment as the driver of the Town of Rensselaerville Senior Bus. He was a member of Greenville American Legion Post 291, and a past member of Tri-Village Volunteer Fire Company. "Roniferd", as he was known to his friends was a lover of fast cars, his favorite being his black '62 Chevy Impala with a 409 engine and a 4 on the floor. Known for his keen sense of humor and sharp wit, he will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Besides his parents he was predeceased by a sister, Roxene Corrigan, a nephew, Padraic Corrigan and a niece, Becky Mack. He was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his son, Ronald "Joey" Bates (Wanda) of Medusa and his longtime companion, Susan Quinn. He was blessed with four grandchildren, Kyle (Erika), Keith, Kenneth and Killian Bates and a great-grandchild, Keagan Bates; also surviving is a brother, Randy Bates (Laura) of Medusa, a sister, Linda Mack of East Durham and several nieces, nephews and great-nephews; and his special cousin Dot Mickle(Keith) of Schoharie. Calling hours will be Wednesday, June 20 from 4 to 7 p.m. at A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, with a Legion service at 6:30 p.m. A graveside service with military honors will be held on Thursday, June 21 at 1:00 PM in the Brookside Cemetery in Preston Hollow. Following the service there will be a reception in the Bayard Elsbree Memorial Park in Preston Hollow. Those who wish to remember Ronald in a special way may contribute in his memory to the Bayard Elsbree Memorial Park, 2979 SR 145, Preston Hollow, NY 12469. Light a candle at ajcunninghamfh.com.