Camden-Kenneth Earl Bates, Jr., ‘PA Bates’, passed away March 20, 2012, at Rome Memorial Hospital.  Ken was born a son of Kenneth, Sr. and Cecelia Amelia Helen Tyksinski Bates on July 26, 1945 in Rome, NY.  On June 20, 1964 he married Patricia Ann Blanchard in Camden, NY.  
     The Super Duper Grocery, Shoetree Manufacturing, IGA Grocery, Harden Furniture, Omega Wire, Laribee Wire, Camden Wire, and OWI employed Ken, until his retirement from ConMed in 2008.  He was involved in many hobbies, interests, and activities, jarts, cards, Little League Coach for 30 years, softball coach, minstrel shows, bowling, Camden Volunteer Fireman, camping at the Thousand Islands, and following children and grandchildren to numerous sporting events, and dance competitions.
     Ken’s famous quote was “ It’s all fun and games until some one gets hurt.”
     Ken is survived by his loving wife, Patricia, children, Kenneth Bates, III, Michele & Edwin Snow, Daniel Bates, Katharine & Jeffrey Bird, Rebecca & Michael Mix, and Scott & Heather Bates, all of Camden, grandchildren, Andrew Conley, Rachael Snow & Jeff Weeden, Kelsey Bates & Dylan Sober, Sarah & John Dungey, Marcus Bates, Kate & Cassandra Kelly, Heather Bates, Seth Kelly, Mikayla, Mariah, and Mackenzie Mix, and Reese Bates, three great grandchildren, brothers, Wayne Bates, Albany, and Gerald & Denise Bates, McConnellsville, sister, Jeana & Ronald Myers, Camden, and many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents, Kenneth & Cecelia.
     A special thank you to Dr. Cotronea for being Ken’s doctor and wonderful family friend.  We would also like to thank the staff at Rome Memorial Hospital for their exceptional care and support.
     Funeral services will be held Friday, 7:00 pm, at the LaRobardiere Funeral Home, Inc. Calling hours Friday, 4-7 pm, 109 Main Street, Camden, NY.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life “Team Bates”.