John went gently into that good night on 26 October 2023, at home in Victoria, BC, aged 87 years. He was a loving son, husband, father, family man, friend and member of the BC sports community.
‘Johnny Bates’ grew up at 2788 Franklin Street in the East End of Vancouver, one block away from the Forum at the PNE. He attended Hastings, Templeton and Vancouver Technical schools. He completed a four year apprenticeship at the Vancouver Vocational Institute and received his Journeyman Plumbing Certificate.
John was a talented athlete and top junior hockey prospect. Judged too short to play professionally, on a bet he tried out and became the first hockey player to make the Ice Capades, a feat written up in Sports Illustrated. Between 1958 and 1962, John travelled the world entertaining people on ice, including a memorable visit to Russia during the Cold War. John was an accomplished showman (a trait he carried throughout his life) and thrilled audiences as a clown, character and cast member in many skits and shows. During his time at Ice Capades, he fell in love with Marilyn Braun, a fellow skater from the Prairies and Victoria, and the two of them began married life in Vancouver with John as Building Supervisor for the PNE Agrodome.
John and Marilyn settled in Victoria in 1965 when he became Assistant Manager of Memorial Arena. He was promoted to Deputy Director of Recreation in 1970 and retired as Director of Parks and Recreation in 1997. During that time, John was variously responsible for Memorial Arena, Crystal Pool, Royal Athletic Park, Royal Theatre and McPherson Playhouse.
John had a love affair with the Victoria sports community and a passion for the ‘Barn on Blanshard’. In addition to his job, he and Marilyn volunteered as organizers at hundreds of international, national and local sports competitions over five decades, including the Commonwealth Games. He was a lifelong member and Past President of the Recreation Facilities Association of BC. He was a founding member and Past President of the Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame and honoured when he and Marilyn were inducted in 2016.
John had a soft spot for Christmas. For over 30 years, he and Marilyn and their neighbours hosted ‘Candy Cane Lane’ on Tattersall Drive which brought holiday cheer to thousands of visitors each year who came to see the displays, meet Santa Claus and his elves and receive free candy canes. It was John’s way of sharing the season of joy that he never experienced as a child.
John was a short man but a larger than life character. He loved to make people laugh, often at his expense. He had lifelong friends from the East End and Ice Capades. Decades of friendships with coaches, general managers, team owners, players, doctors, trainers, referees, scouts, agents, broadcasters, sports writers, performers, promoters, hoteliers, facility managers, league officials, ushers, colleagues and others associated with sports and entertainment communities across Canada and America. Whether living in Victoria or just visiting, friends often ended up at his house for one of Marilyn’s home cooked meals and occasionally a few drinks.
John was a family man. He and Marilyn shared a special bond that merged their personal and professional lives. They were a true team. He often recalled how lucky he was that a scrappy kid from the wrong side of the tracks found a nice Prairie girl to keep him on the straight and narrow. John was appreciative of Marilyn’s family who welcomed him as their own. He was a dedicated father to his children and active ‘Papa’ to his grandchildren.
After retirement, John and Marilyn revived their wanderlust with cruises and trips to Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Indian Ocean, Ireland, Middle East, United Kingdom and United States. John enjoyed taking home movies and time capsules of these travels and earlier adventures during Ice Capades, summer vacations in Parksville and Birch Bay, family holidays and family reunions brought back warm memories in the last few years of his life.
When not travelling, John’s garden was a source of pride and joy. He remained an avid green thumb to the end, puttering around his workshop and backyard to make sure flowers, shrubs and garden gnomes came and went at their appointed times. He played hockey, soccer and golf until late in life.
John is survived by his loving family. His wife of 59 years, Marilyn (née Braun); son, Dave (and daughter-in-law, Joanne); daughter, Lisa; six grandchildren, Jordan, Riley, Jacob and Harper Bate from South Africa and Ellie and Tiernan McMahon from America; brother-in-law, Bill Braun (Hilary) and their families and extended kin across the country. John is reunited with his parents, John and Mary Bate; in-laws, Ike and Dorie Braun; his mentor, Dave Dauphinee (Elaine) and many other family and friends. The tempo of the afterlife may noticeably pick up with John’s arrival.
Thanks to Dr Buie, Dr Nadra, Dr O’Fiesh, Dr Lundy, Dr Patel, Ed from RHS and Kelly, Liz and Sarah from VHA for all their care and kindness over the past few years.
If desired, donations may be made to the John and Marilyn Bate Scholarship in Recreation and Health Education at the University of Victoria by visiting https://extrweb.uvic.ca/donate/johnbate or contact UVic by phone at 250-472-4924.
At John’s wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, 22 December 2023, in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC with a live stream available. Link below:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85928458302?pwd=68qGmZoNi6XaChtbiPZKbhQdE05ZMl.1
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Donna Marsden - Good
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Gary Gillespie Hi Marilyn,
Although I knew John’s health was not so good these days, I was a little taken back and saddened to hear of his passing. As you, what a wonderful person to have known these past years. You always wish for one more hello, but then life catches up. I will miss his waves from the window as I pass by in the evenings. Thank you both for all your most genuine and generous hospitality each time we met. I feel I’ve known you longer than ever since you both brought us all a warm winter greeting with the many years of Candy Cane Lane. I will be sure to knock on your door sooner than later.
With love and condolences… Gary (Gillespie)
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Kimberly and Mark Nonis Sending our heartfelt condolences to you Marilyn and your family as you navigate your way through this significant loss. ♥️
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Kurt Houlden So sad to hear of John’s passing, but there is also so much to celebrate about his life and impact on his community. I’m thankful to have known John through our work on the RFABC. John leaves a tremendous legacy, but I think it is his humour and playfulness I will miss the most. I pray John’s family find peace.
Kurt Houlden
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Gayle Buie We were deeply saddened to hear of John’s passing. He has left us with great fun memories. Sending you love .. Take care
Bob and Gayle Buie
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Melva Hurt Cantrell To you, Marilyn, and to all your family I extend my sincere condolence. It’s been over a month, and I am just now learning that John passed away. I am so very sorry. He was such a fun character and delightful person to work with in the show. And even though you think you know someone it’s possible that you know very little about them or their past. After reading the obituary I came to fully understand what a great person he really was and how little I knew. With all the technology these days, I still did not get the word that he was no longer with us. So, I am truly sorry for this late condolence message to you, the family and all his friends. So, as I send my love and hugs to all of you, I also ask that the Lord bless and keep all under His divine guidance.
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Sue Molholm (Hunt) Dear Marilyn, and family,
So very sad to see this news. Christmas won’t be the same without Santa’s number 1 elf to create it. Many fond memories of growing up at your home. Much love.
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Jewel Steele Jewel Steele
My condolences are sent your way Marilyn. John will always be remembered in the hearts of his Ice Capades Family.
Will never forget the episode of the missing weigh scale on a Saturday morning in Victoria. Those were the good old days.
With fond memories always.
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Marie Leon Opfergelt MARIE LEON OPFERGELT
TO MARILYN AND FAMILY,
THANKS FOR ALL THE LAUGHS. WONDERFUL MEMORIES FROM SQUAW VALLEY, 1961.
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Carolyn Michaels ( Hartling) Marilyn and family. My deepest condolences to you all in the passing of John. Such a fun person and loved working with you both in Ice Capades. Fond memories of John roller skating in the Empress hotel during high tea. He will be missed.
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Lewis "Skip" Peeler Lewis “Skip” Peeler
Dear Marilyn and Family,
John always had a smile and a story to share.
Wonderful Memories… Thoughts and Prayers are with You.
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Iris Fowler Marilyn and Family, I was so sorry to hear of of John’s passing. I have such great memories of his time in Old Timer’s Hockey and his funny stints. He has lots of hockey buddies waiting for him! We all get through a time like this in our own way. In time the memories will bring you comfort. My thoughts are with you.
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Nancy lanzillo So sorry for the loss of your dad. I remember him letting us into the fair for free! Because we were friends with Lisa! So kind.
Candy cane lane was amazing and we still talk about it as we decorate for Christmas.
May your precious memories provide you comfort in the upcoming days.
God bless your family.
Nancy Lanzillo (Graham)
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Daphne Goode Dear Marilyn and family…how I always enjoyed working with John when I was planning interviews for local television. He was a very dedicated professional in the athletics community. He always took the time to make sure every detail was precise, and never, ever showed when pressures were plenty, with various entertainment shows at the old Memorial Arena, or with fussy clients or athletes. He respected the local media greatly and I so appreciated his commitment to get the story correct, whatever we were covering at the moment. In addition, I came to know Marilyn and John together when they shared Candy Cane Lane, and what a delightful community contribution it was, for all ages! My condolences to family and friends. John was a rare person, full of old fashioned hospitality and fierce dedication to his work, family and community life!
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Roy St Denis John and I were teammates on the Gorge Hotel F.C. Johm played center forward and was a fierce competitor, he was also John Bate. Regardless of a win or loss and after each, John would regale us with his impersonation of Super Man. He used a towel as the cape and the rest I will leave to the readers imagination. Well played John!
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Barrie Walker John Bate, John Ferguson, Terry Mckibbon,…..all rink rats at the old Forum ice rink in Vancouver.
RIP John.Barrie Walker.
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Sharon Graham Hello Marilyn and all your family- we were sad to hear of John’s passing – we have been remembering fondly our time with Lisa and our many visits to Candy Cane Lane – one of our favourite Christmas displays! Our hearts and thoughts are with you all – love from Richard and Sharon Graham
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Richard ( Dick ) Austin Marilyn, family, and friends,
Saying goodbye to a friend is difficult, saying goodbye to John is heartbreaking.
Larger than life is an understatement, John lived his life with great humility and common sense, however, when a circumstance presented itself such as the annual Candy Cane Lane Xmas his impish behavior became evident.
During his long and distinguished career he left an indelible mark on the Victoria sporting community in many ways, his smile, laugh, and personality will be missed.
I feel truly blessed and thankful our paths crossed.
Richard ( Dick ) Austin
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Carol Holroyd Ian and I were very sorry to hear of John’s passing. We have such great memories of our Gorge Soccer times and the Old Timers Hockey.
Our thoughts are with you, Marilyn and your family.
Carol and Ian Holroyd
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Barbara Harwood formerly Beresford-Green I worked with the recreation department, City of Victoria for 9 years. John was a gentleman, a supporter of his staff, always ready to listen but always ready to give of his best. His love for Marilyn and his pride in David and Lisa shone through any conversations I had with him. John took pride in his job, was respectful to members of City Council and was proud to put Victoria on the entertainment map. Marilyn, I remember telling you that I knew Evelyn McCall from your Icecapades days.
Your life was full of joys and love from all who knew the Bate team. Thinking of you now and sending my condolences. Barbara “B-G”
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Jennifer Blair I was so sorry to read of John’s passing. He was a fun-loving person, always great to be around. Although you will miss him I hope your great memories together will sustain you in the coming days. Sending my condolences to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Jen Blair.
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Darynn Cowan Marilyn and family,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of John. I have such fond memories of both you and John spanning over many years at the arena and various sporting events around town. I know you guys shared so many laughs and good times with my mom and dad. Sending you love and hugs. Darynn Cowan (Fedoruk). xo
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Heather Reid Dear Marilyn and family
Mike and I were so blessed to have you as our next door neighbour. Capone as well! He would run to the fence when he saw John or you. Many fond memories of John, climbing the fence, the big old tree and his peanut butter experiments!
Such a wonderful couple
My thoughts are with you on this journeyHeather
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Lyle Braun My condolences to you Marilyn and your family from me and my family. Through the years of many great interactions with you and John, whether it be at the arena, on the golf course or at Christmas time when we would visit the 2 of you at Candy Cane Lane and you would invite us into your home for a sit down the 2 of you were incredible. Thanks for all the memories. We will all miss” John Boy”
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Bob Wheaton John was a giant in so many respects and a true credit to our community. He will be sorely missed. I and my children will always remember him as the elf on the swing at Christmas, with that impish grin on his face as the little kids, and the big ones too, looked on in awe at the displays he, Marilyn and the neighbours used to put on. He won’t soon be forgotten.
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Terri Brend-Elston Condolences to Marilyn & family.
Good memories from the neighbourhood and Doncaster school.
What a wonderful life, well lived. RIP
Terri Brend-Elston, Yvette & Denise Brend
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Carol and Mike Walker We say so long to John Bate and thank you for the laughs and life of the NEW YEARS PARTY at the Dr. Buies pool and recreation room..see you again on the Other Side..our condolances to Marilyn and family..
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Lena and Lisa Lee To Marilyn and Family,
Our thoughts are with all of you. Marilyn, we will always remember you and John as a kind, caring and fun loving couple. You both lit up the room with your smiles and laughter. May all the wonderful memories of John help to ease your sorrow.
Marilyn and Family
Was so sorry to hear of John’s passing. I have known him since teenagers from the Vancouver Forum. He was one of the rink rats along with John Ferguson, and Tommy, all of them. They used to always be around either before we skated or after. It was great to see them cheering us on when we competed. John always had a smile. I was very surprised to see him appear at the Ice Capades back stage! I didn’t know he had figure skates.! We went to the same Jr. and Sr. High schools and lived in the same areas growing up. I was so happy to see the two of you get together and enjoying your life. Last time I waw you was about 3 reunions ago on the plane back from Las Vegas to Abbotsford.
I know you had a wonderful life together I’m sure with a lot of fun and enjoyment. Take care and savor all your great memories.