William (Bill) John Bate Jr., known to his students as Mr. Bate, passed away peacefully at his home on October 25, 2023. He was born to Norma and William Bate in Eureka, Utah on May 6, 1934 and lived there until graduating from Tintic High School in 1952. He attended BYU and graduated in 1957 with a degree in Physical Education and Health. He served his country in the US Army in France from 1957-59 followed by many years in the Army Reserves. He moved to Price, Utah in 1959 to teach fifth grade at Durrant Elementary with the Carbon School District. He worked for the school district as a teacher, community education/recreation specialist, principal, transportation supervisor, purchasing agent, and PE specialist. Retired permanently at the age of 89 in May 2023.
His greatest accomplishment and love was for his family. He met LaRue Watt, another teacher at Durrant Elementary. They were married and sealed on January 28, 1961 in the Manti Temple. They have five wonderful children, nine exceptional grandchildren, and six beautiful great-grandchildren. Education was a high priority to them supporting their five children in earning bachelor’s degrees from college. They were very proud of them as contributing citizens in their communities. Dad loved being a grandfather and great-grandfather, where he taught them to fish, hunt, play sports, work hard, and serve others. His motto for hunting and life was, “Put it in 4-wheel drive and we can get through.”
Dad was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many different positions, but Primary teacher was his favorite. He loved to serve his neighbors and the widows in the neighborhood by baking cookies, mowing lawns, visiting, and making sure the snowy sidewalks were shoveled.
His latest community service started when he obtained a grant for an archery program at Castle Heights Elementary school. He loved teaching archery and volunteered many early mornings and afternoons to coach young archers and help them compete in national competitions. He loved attending these tournaments with them and telling his family how proud he was of these young people. He loved to see the students literally shoot for the stars.
Bill Bate could be seen officiating and running up and down the basketball courts, football fields, softball fields, and baseball fields throughout Southeastern Utah. He did this for over 45 years and retired from officiating at the age of 79. He and his officiating buddies would volunteer to referee games to give kids the chance to play ball throughout Price.
His family would like to express their appreciation for the many kindnesses shown to them throughout his life and at his passing, especially those at Castle Heights Elementary (faculty, staff, and students), Price 2nd Ward, his neighborhood family and many friends.
Survived by his five children, Allan (Sheri) Bate, Steven (Janet) Bate, David Bate, Sherrilyn (Jason) Miller, and Jadean (Craig) Friant; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; brothers, Richard (Mary Ellen) Bate and Gary Kunz; brother-in-law, Ron (Barbara) Watt; and many dear friends.
Preceded in death by his loving wife, LaRue Watt; his parents; his brother, Jerry; step-father, Bob Perkins; sister-in-law, Katherine Kunz; in-laws, George and Norma Watt; and many friends.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Castle Heights Elementary Archery Program, send check to Castle Heights Elementary, 750 N. Homestead Blvd, Price, UT 84501.
Funeral service, Saturday, November 4, 2023, 11:00 a.m., Price 2nd Ward Chapel (Price North Stake Center) 449 North 100 East in Price. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday morning from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. prior to the service both at the church. Burial will follow in Cliffview Cemetery where Military Honors will be rendered by the American Legion Post 3. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Bill online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net