Edgar “Tom” Thomas Bates Jr.

Edgar “Tom” Thomas Bates Jr., 82, of Hollis NH passed away on July 4,2024 after a short illness.

He was born June 1st, 1942 in Salem, Massachusetts, to the late Edgar “Ed” Thomas Bates Sr. and Eleanor (Raymond) Bates.

Tom grew up in the Salem/Peabody/Beverly Massachusetts area. It was at Memorial Jr.High Beverly, Mass where he met his wife of 62 years, Diane (Carson) Bates. Both graduated from Beverly High School in 1960.

Tom studied at Beverly High/Trade school for printing and spent 50+ years in the printing trade.Tom also attended the Franklin Institute of Boston (1963-1964) for Photography. A passion for photography he passed along to his daughter Susan.

Tom worked for Mitre, then Honeywell until he opened up his own printing company (BB+D Printing in Billerica MA) with 2 other Honeywell coworkers. After this career path, Tom took a job with Teca-print as a field representative that allowed him to travel all over the US, Mexico and Internationally. Not one to stop working, he enjoyed his “retirement” employed as a NETC flagger in the New Hampshire area. This allowed him to enjoy two of his loves, being outside and meeting new people. He shared great conversations and work days with the many tree, power and road crews.

Growing up, Tom spent as much time on and in the ocean as possible. His family’s boat was located in Salem Harbor and he became an avid scuba diver. One of his greatest experiences was meeting the legendary Jacques Cousteau (an encounter he spoke about throughout all his years).

Tom and Diane moved to Nashua in 1968, where they raised their two children Susan and Richard.

It was probably Tom’s involvement in Boy Scouts during his youth that led to his love of the outdoors. Hiking, camping, fishing, gardening, bird/animal watching and hunting were a great joy to him.

He shared his love of fishing with friends Jim Davis and predeceased Russell “Rusty” Kraynick. His hunting crew was his second family. Tom’s passing was proceeded by 3 of his closest hunting buddies Fred Baxter, Henry Minasian and best friend Charlie Mercier.

He returned to the Boy Scouts when he and Richard joined the Daniel Webster Council. When the Nashua Youth Soccer League was formed, Tom and parents of Richard’s friends received permission to set up multiple fields at the Main Dunstable Elementary School’s property. The creation of these new fields helped grow this new sport to Nashua. Tom became a volunteer referee and became the Head of the league for two years.

In 1992, Tom and Diane built their forever house in the woods of Hollis, New Hampshire.

Always an avid reader, he enjoyed reading about adventures especially about the wilderness and the ocean. When not cursing at the computer he played solitaire, poker, and mahjong. Tom was a lifelong New England Patriots fan/critic and an enthusiastic NASCAR fan. He was always was up for travel and an adventure. In the last five years, Tom and Susan spent a week on a windjammer, went on ATV trips with Richard, did the Mt. Washington ATV ride with his brother-in-law Powell and even enjoyed driving a racecar with the NASCAR experience at Loudon cheered on by his sister Deborah.

People remember Tom as a “people person”. He was one of those people that could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere and anytime. Tom enjoyed telling stories all day with vivid accounts to all that would listen, indulge, and enjoy them with a broad smile on his face. One of his favorite listeners was his grandson Sterling, with whom he shared a special bond.

Tom was predeceased by his only sister, Deborah (Bates) Monegue and her husband Powell of Florida.

He is survived by his wife, Diane of Hollis, NH; daughter Susan and her husband David Gosselin of Nashua, NH; son Richard Bates of Hollis, NH; grandson Sterling Bates and granddaughter Alexandra “Lexi” Bates of Hollis, NH; nephew Russell Monegue and his wife Susan of FL; niece Michelle Barnes and her husband Clayton of FL; brother-in-law Bruce Carson and his wife Amy of Westford, MA; niece Jennifer Carson and nephew Jeffrey Carson of Westford, MA.

There will be no calling hours.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Please consider a donation in lieu of flowers in Tom’s memory to:

Home, Health & Hospice, C/O Community Hospice House, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054 A place of peace, kindness and love for the patient and their families.