Funeral services for Senator Alan Bates will be held 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, in the Rouge River Room at Southern Oregon University in Ashland. Bates died suddenly Friday, Aug. 5, on a fishing trip with his son.
Senate President Peter Courtney said a memorial service honoring Bates at the Oregon State Capitol will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, September 20, in the Senate Chambers. A reception will follow.
In the Capitol this week, a large photograph and a map of the Senator’s district have been positioned outside the Senate Chamber letting visitors know that the Senate and all of Oregon is in mourning. Inside, the Chamber is lighted by a single candle on Bates floor desk, which is adorned with a portrait of the Southern Oregon senator and bouquet of flowers. A third tribute, flowers and black drape across a desk, have been set up in Bates office on the second floor of the Senate Wing.
Members of the public can share condolences and memories about Senator Bates on note cards which are part of the display outside the chamber.
Those wishing to send cards and remembrances directly to Senator Bates' family can be send them to: 2859 State Street, Suite 101, Medford ,OR, 97504.
