Nathaniel Joel Bates of Abbot, ME, also known as “Buddy Bates”, was born on August 27th, 1983, to Deborah Lynn Ellis Batchelder and Gary Alan Bates. He was welcomed into the family by his siblings; Carl Brian Butler, Monica Lynn, and Justin Gary Bates.

From the start, Nathaniel Joel was truly a ray of sunshine, smiling and full of love and life—arguably the cutest, kindest soul you ever did meet. Growing up a child of the 80’s and 90’s molded him into the man he was. There wasn’t a year that went by where he didn’t ask you to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas and It’s the Great Pumpkin, the Wizard of Oz, Monty Python, Princess Bride, or the Grinch, of which he could recite every word. He loved Christmas, was the most thoughtful gift giver, and even dreamed of having his own Christmas tree farm one day— with only the biggest and best trees. He never missed an opportunity to challenge you at a game of Nintendo, owning every classic from his childhood. He held on to traditions and family meant everything to him.

Nathaniel was a graduate of Piscataquis Community Highschool, class of 2002. He was a star athlete, known as number 14 on the baseball team. He was the stealer of bases, head first, even when he was told he shouldn’t play due to his failing health… that very game he hit two grand slams, in the same inning, making it a national record and him a legend amongst his peers. “Don’t count me out, Coach,” was a motto he carried throughout his life. He was a captain of the ski team, loved snowboarding, ran track and cross country, played football, and was chosen by his classmates as prom king. He was a loyal friend to everyone.

Straight out of highschool, Nathaniel received his first kidney transplant from his brother, Carl, which gave him 15 additional years here with us. He worked as an “underpaid carpenter,” as he predicted in his highschool yearbook. He never put the hammer down. He loved building things as much as he loved fixing things. Anything he could do with his hands he would, and he’d be great at it. His loyalty was like no other. No matter how sick he was, he would find the strength to help anyone he could. He had a pure heart, a heart of gold. He was incredibly thoughtful and sentimental, treasuring meaningful relics of his past and of past generations.

He was also a daredevil and a badass.

He felt the most free on his motorcycle. An avid outdoorsman, Nathaniel had a deep love of hunting and fishing. He was a proud member of “The Big Buck Club” and was always looking forward to the next hunting or fishing adventure with those he cherished. His love of Yamaha three wheelers carried over to his final days, hoping to restore them to their former glory… always reminiscing of the good old days.

At 12:46 pm on August 9th, 2021 our beloved Nathaniel Joel- cherished son, loving brother, devoted uncle, and amazing friend—went to be with the LORD, after a lifelong battle against Alports Syndrome. Leaving his family to carry on his memory, forever. He cherished his time with all of his siblings, including half sister Ashley; step brothers Stephen, Ronnie, and Keith. He was the proud Uncle of Katelyn Grace, Cali Lynn, Breckon Gilbert, and Addyson Audrey. He also leaves behind step father Keith Batchelder, step mother Maureen Bates, many uncles, aunts, cousins, and countless friends. Readell Orff and Joshua Hosea were his best friends and truly like brothers to him. He was predeceased by Grandparents Mildred and Clarence Bates, Katie Lemar Ellis Currie and Arnold Wesley Ellis.

Nathaniel was a warrior and courageously fought to the end. He never gave up. He would encourage everyone to be an organ donor, so that they may give the gift of time to someone else, as it was given to him.

He will forever be in our hearts,

And serve as a reminder that there is no greater gift than time

and nothing more powerful than love.

Memorial Service will be held Sunday August 22nd, 3pm at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery—Dexter.

“Celebration of Life” to follow, in procession, to the Bears Den— Dover Foxcroft.

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