On March 9, 2023 Greg Bates went to be with his Heavenly Father.

Greg was born in Salem, on Oct. 15, 1947. His parents, Howard and Frances Bates, owned a cherry orchard outside of the city. After several years, his parents moved the family to Sacramento, Calif.  

On April 30, 1988, Greg married his best friend and love of his life, Christine. Greg and Chris moved to Burns, in 2009 and enjoyed living the retired life on a 95-acre ranch.   

Greg had a variety of occupations and started working very young in life. His first job as a teenager was carrying the camera equipment for Ansel Adams up the trails for that magnificent photo. Greg learned photography from Ansel Adams and from that experience he took his expertise to the U.S. Air Force. In Okinawa, he repaired the spy cameras and took various photos for several military assignments. Once back to the mainland, Greg worked on obtaining his degree in Archaeology and History. He also worked as a Veterinarian Technician, and was a cowboy on local ranches. Greg later worked for the Phoenix Police Department and moved into a position with the Immigration and Naturalization Service. He retired as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer in February 2000, after serving for 20 years in Yuma, Ariz.  

Greg loved telling about his work experiences throughout his life. He also enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, wood turning, and traveling. He especially enjoyed visiting the Antarctic, Iguassu Falls, Machu Picchu, Nazca Lines in Peru, and took wonderful photographs along the way.  Greg’s humor about the Yellowstone National Parks recycling bins was exceptional. Greg will be greatly missed by his wife, and all who he shared the love of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Greg was impressed with the idea of the Crossroads Ranch of Harney County Equine Center, and was excited to see this wonderful concept become a reality. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Crossroads Ranch of Harney County, P.O. Box 327, Burns, Oregon 97720.  www.crossroadsrhc.org. LaFollette’s Chapel in charge of arrangements.