Gary was born March 23, 1960, in Santa Rosa, to Eddie Bates and Shirley Bates Hess. Gary was preceded in death by his father in 1970. 

Gary left us on April 26, 2019, after a long painful battle with diabetes and depression.

He was a log truck owner for the past 20 plus years, until his diabetes took over his life. 

His trucking friends nicknamed him Bugsy. He was always up for a good laugh or prank on a buddy.

The mountains offered beauty and solitude making it a vacation with family and friends.

The great outdoors was Gary’s greatest love.

Gary is survived by his mother Shirley Hess and stepfather Allan (Pete) Hess; brother Gerald Bates; son Josh Bates; granddaughter Lucia Bates; daughter Jessica Casqueira; granddaughter Brianna Bates; grandson Kash Casqueira; daughter Melissa Bates; grandson Tyler Bates; granddaughter Dakoriya Bates; mother of his children Theresa Bates; step-sister Deb Hess Cawvey and Gerald; stepsister Susie Hess Matson and Larry; stepbrother Mike Hess & Rayanne; stepsister Barbie Taylor and Stacy; and many nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts and cousins. 

He will be missed by so many dear friends and family. He loved the Lord with all his heart and did not want to linger here in his condition. 

Many thanks to Roy Andrews for being such a good friend to Gary and all his other friends as well. Thank you.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 29, 2019, at Freshwater Park. Please join us for a potluck, to tell a story or just bring a smile, all friends are welcome.

The family would like to thank everyone for their well wishes and prayers. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Gary Bates’ family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.