Robert "Chum" Bates

July 29, 1930 - December 14, 2017

Robert “Chum” Bates, 87 of Sagola, passed away on Thursday, December 14, 2017 at the Iron County Medical Care Facility in Crystal Falls. He was born on July 29, 1930 at the McGregor’s House in Sagola, Michigan, son of the late Allen and Ethel (Vonckx) Bates. He went to work as a Miner in both the Bristol and Gulliver Mines, until his retirement in January of 1981. He then went to work for Sagola Township and Mansfield Township. In his free time Chum enjoyed playing smear. He loved to garden and take care of his flowers. He owned a hobby farm, and loved to hay and take care of his chickens, cows, ducks and pigs. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and Forest Park Football fan. Chum is survived by his three daughters, Dianne (Dennis) Mitchell of Iron River, Gail (Chum) Marinoff of Crystal Falls, and Barb (Jim) Anderson of Crystal Falls; a sister, Dorothy Slivensky of Crystal Falls; nine grandchildren, David (Annie) Ponchaud, Christopher (Samantha) Ponchaud, Brooke (Derrick) Ferrara, Sam Blazier, Rob (Justina) Blazier, Ryan (Becky) Blazier, Jennifer (Ed) Clemo, Nicholas (Sophie) Anderson, and Adam Anderson; Numerous great and great great grandchildren; his longtime girlfriend, Gladys Olson; he is further survived by many great friends including, Stewart Warmboe and Donny Minerick He was preceded in death by a brother, Vernon; a sister, Patricia; an infant daughter, Barbara Ann; a son in-law, Sam Blazier; and a great granddaughter, Jackie The visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 from 12:00 noon to 1:00 PM at the Nash Funeral Home in Crystal Falls. The Funeral Service will follow at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Rev. Cheryle Spicer will officiate. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Robert “Chum” Bates online at www.nashfuneralhome.net The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with the arrangements.