John Thomas Bates passed away with family by his side on August 22 at 85 years old. He was born in Long Beach, California to Tom and Margaret Bates. His father, a coastal projects engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, a job that required the family to reside in many California coastal communities undergoing harbor installations. John’s favorite was Catalina Island where he attended elementary school and later worked summer jobs for the Catalina Harbor Maintenance Department. Eventually the family returned to permanent residence in Long Beach and John then entered Long Beach Public schools graduating from Long Beach Poly High School where he became an outstanding water polo player. Upon graduation he went to Stanford and was recruited to play goalie for the Stanford water polo team. Following graduation, he was accepted to the USC School of Architecture earning a degree in Architecture. After passing the licensing exams he launched his professional career owning and leading his award-winning firm for over 30 years.
His work shaped communities across California from BIA award winning residential housing to civic and community centers in Torrance, Lakewood, Anaheim, Yorba Linda, and San Clemente to name a few.
His multi-use YMCA sports facility in Laguna Niguel was selected by the National Architectural Registration Board as a benchmark to test candidates for national architectural licensing and recognized for its innovative design and clarity. The Laguna Hills Community Center project, affectionately known as “Pop’s Park” by his grandchildren, stands as a symbol of his belief quoted in the LA Times (9/11/2003) that “Public buildings should be friendly & inviting, not massive and intimidating. With the often adversarial relations between people and government I think we need buildings that pull people together.”
In addition to his professional accomplishments John proudly served in the U.S. Airforce, active and reserve duty during the Vietnam War. He served his community as a youth sports coach, a volunteer in Laguna Niguel’s Incorporation effort, and with the multi-community anti-airport coalition. He enjoyed golfing with friends, fishing for the elusive bluefin tuna and camping trips to Catalina on his beloved boat, the Home Run.
He will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his quick humor, his deep love for Patti his wife of 62 years, his children Jason (Stefanie), J’Amy Schouten (Stuart), his grandchildren Brennan and Jessica Bates, and Tommy and Mitch Schouten, his heartfelt caring for animals and nature, and his endearing determination to take on household projects admitting that patience was not his greatest gift. He has now made his Home Run. May he rest there at peace in God’s keeping.
Contributions in his name can be made to the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center.