Obituary of Maynard Joseph Bates, New Victoria

It is with great sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of Maynard Joseph Bates on April 2, 2021 at the Halifax Infirmary with his daughter Suzanne by his side. Born in New Waterford on September 17, 1944, he was the son of the late Emmett and Agnes (Timmons) Bates. Maynard attended St. Agnes and Central schools and graduated from St. Francis Xavier University with an education degree. He began his teaching career in Liverpool, NS and following his marriage to Sharon (Aucoin), they moved to the Northwest Territories. He had a 34 year career, teaching in the Western Arctic communities of Inuvik and Fort Smith. During this time, Maynard enjoyed nature camping in the Northern Regions of Canada, Army Cadets and competitive skeet shooting. A keen interest in research led Maynard back to university where he pursued a Master of Library and Information Studies at the U of A in Edmonton. Following a few more years of teaching in the North and the death of his wife Sharon, Maynard moved back to the East Coast. For the past 20 years, Maynard enjoyed his retirement travelling around Cape Breton while residing in New Victoria with his wife Annette. He was a long time member and Treasurer of the Fish and Game Association. Maynard will be sadly missed by his wife, Annette and daughter, Suzanne. He is survived by his brothers, Vernon (Anna), Lower Sackville, Leo, Cambridge ON, Martin (Brenda), Stellarton, Morley (Roseanne), Guelph, ON; and his sisters, Margaret Blair, New Waterford and Irene McDonald, Moncton, NB. He is also survived by brothers-in-law, Jack Aucoin (Heather) and Jim Aucoin (Sandy), several nieces, nephews and cousins and by his good neighbours, Elaine and Peter Cameron. In addition to his parents and first wife, he was also predeceased by his sister, Brenda Bell, brothers, Gerard and Raymond and brothers-in-law, Jim Blair, Neil McDonald and Anthony Aucoin. There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the guidance of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 380 Smith St, New Waterford, where a private service will take place in the chapel officiated by Father Peter McLeod. Burial will be held at a later date. Social distancing and masks are required. Memorials in memory of Maynard can be made to the charity of your choice. Words of comfort can be forwarded to www.vjmcgillivray.ca.