Victor Wilford Bates passed away in Shuswap Lake General Hospital, Salmon Arm, BC on December 20, 2013 at the age of 70 years.
The Funeral Service was held from Broadview Evangelical Free Church, Salmon Arm, on Monday, December 30th at 11 a.m. with Pastor Dave Penner officiating. Tributes and special music were shared by family and friends.
A reception followed in the Church, catered by the ladies of the Church, allowing time for family and friends to continue sharing memories and stories of Vic.
Born in Hardisty, Alberta on October 17, 1943, Vic grew up with a strong work ethic and a creative entrepreneurial mind. He was employed in the Oil Patch prior to moving to Salmon Arm with his wife Alice, and children Tammy & Leo, in 1973. Within a week Vic quickly purchased Crown Furniture, and he and Alice became involved in the community, expanding the furniture store and location. Vic was a visionary, and was committed to Salmon Arm. His passion for real estate earned steadfast respect among fellow business owners, city officials, and countless citizens for his various developments. Some of his visions included the development of the Salmon Arm Water front, the Prestige Inn, the current location of Churches Thrift Store, and all we see near the wharf. He was a strong supporter of the Nature Habitat, donating his personally owned land to the cause. After giving Salmon Arm years of energy, he focused on Crazy Creek, east of Malakwa. Vic and Alice gained many new friends with this development, and he was in his glory with watching the transformation of the area.
Vic leaves his loving and dedicated wife, Alice; two children, Tammy Bates And Leo (Sharon), Grandchildren (Tyler, Porter, Ava, Aidan, Drake, Jax), brothers and sisters and an amazing community of friends.
Email condolences may be sent to Vic’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com
Donations in his memory of Vic may be sent to the Salvation Army, Salmon Arm, or the Smaritan’s Purse.
Funeral arrangements were in the care of Bowers Funeral Home and Crematorium, Salmon Arm.