Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 12:00 a.m.
Bryan Bates
1949 – 2026
Bryan is survived by Diane Bates, his devoted wife of 56 years; daughter Penny (Jamie) Balfour, and son Keith (Amber); grandchildren: Cass, Treyvis (Lindsey), Branton (Danielle), Jorden (Haley), and Justin (Elizabeth); great-grandchildren: Bowie, Mick, Hunter, Noah, Toby, Pyper, Roman, Riley, Harlee, Kase, and Oaklen; his brothers, Lyle (Colleen), and Morley (Ruth); as well as many nieces, nephews, and special uncles, Lyle Wiltshire & family and Elgin Wiltshire.
Bryan is survived by Diane Bates, his devoted wife of 56 years; daughter Penny (Jamie) Balfour, and son Keith (Amber); grandchildren: Cass, Treyvis (Lindsey), Branton (Danielle), Jorden (Haley), and Justin (Elizabeth); great-grandchildren: Bowie, Mick, Hunter, Noah, Toby, Pyper, Roman, Riley, Harlee, Kase, and Oaklen; his brothers, Lyle (Colleen), and Morley (Ruth); as well as many nieces, nephews, and special uncles, Lyle Wiltshire & family and Elgin Wiltshire.
Waiting to welcome him are his parents Stewart & Florence Bates.
Bryan was born on December 1, 1949 in Birch River, Manitoba. Grandma used to say she had to be strict with him, because if she gave an inch, he took a mile. That became the theme of his life; he lived it to the fullest and always on his terms. In 1959, the family moved to Lethbridge and from there, Bryan built a full life.
A Celebration of life will be held at HUNGARIAN CANADIAN SOCIETY, 410 2 Ave S, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, March 21 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Please wear your best worn-out blue jeans.
For those that would like, a donation can be made to a charity of your choice. A few that Dad would be fond of - NOKA: lethbridge.noka@gmail.com or Chinook Regional Hospital Association: https://crhfoundation.ca/content.php?p=50
To honour the way, he lived—fully, boldly, and without hesitation—in the words of Hunter S. Thompson: “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow! What a ride!’”
Guestbook (16)
Share a memory or send a tribute in memory of Bryan.
I was so sorry to hear about Brian's passing. My sincere condolences Diane and family. Gabby and I really enjoyed his and your company. Loved coming to see his pond and garage. Brian had great stories to tell. Gabby had a great respect for Brian. I really appreciated him calling after Gabby left this world. He will not be forgotten.
Our deepest condolences for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family. Patty, Chris & Hayley
My sincere condolences to each of the immediate & extended family's of Bryan!
Diane, Penny & Keith, We are very sorry to hear to Bryan's recent passing. We got to know Bryan when he was our neighbor at Gas King 5 Ave N, Lethbridge. He was a great customer of ours who always had a story to share or a joke to tell. (We gave him our M & M chocolate candy display a few years ago to add to his collection). Bryan will be missed by all who knew him. RIP Bryan.
Sending our sincere sympathy to Diane and all family on the passing of Bryan. Sherry and Bob Pinchak
Bryan and I became good friends when the Bates family moved in across the street. Both of our Dads were WW 2 veterans. He could be wild and crazy, which was fine with me. Roll on bro, till we cross trails again.
Diane and Family we are sorry to hear about Bryan. We hope you all take comfort in all the family and friends that care about you all. 💔
Diane and Family we are so sorry about Bryan passing. He will be missed 💔
Sending our heart condolences to Diane, Penny and the rest of the family. Brian was a fun person to visit with and see all his beautiful collection of antiques.
Our deepest condolences to you and your family at this time. We will keep you all in our thought and prays always.
We were very sad to hear of Bryan’s passing. We will miss our fence time talks and the kindness Bryan had always shown us. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you Diane and your family during this difficult time.
So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Our prayers and thoughts be with You Diane and your family. He was a force to be reckoned with for sure and will be so missed.
Sending our thoughts and prayers to Keith and Amber and Family members at this time .Chris and Arlene
Sending heartfelt condolences to Diane, Penny and family. Hoping you have strength at this difficult time and may his Memory be Eternal. Natalie Les and Sam
We would like to express our sympathy for the entire immediate and extended family for your loss. We wish all of you the best at this difficult time and our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Richard, Nicole, Daniel & David Andronowich