Christopher Charles “Chris” Bates, 47, Elma resident and attorney and partner with Hagen & Bates Law Firm in Aberdeen, passed away Monday, Feb. 28, 2022, at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Washington.

Chris was born Dec. 15, 1974 in Decatur, Illinois to Charles Emerson and Mary (Genz) Bates. Chris was the eldest of three amazing brothers. Chris grew up in Pueblo, Colorado where he graduated from Pueblo South High School in 1993. He graduated from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Outdoor Recreation. Following graduation, Chris worked in Alaska, California, Colorado, and Minnesota Outward Bound School in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Chris backpacked throughout South America with Outward Bound Friends.

In 2001, Chris was accepted into Washburn University School of law in Topeka, Kansas. During his second year of law school, he fell in love with fellow law student, Jamie Parsons. They graduated together in 2005 with their Juris Doctorate degrees. In 2006, Chris was admitted to the Washington State Bar Association. Chris began his law career working for the Grays Harbor County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. In 2008, Chris entered private practice working with Wayne Hagen Jr. and later became a partner at Hagen & Bates, P.S. In 2009, Chris became the Montesano Municipal Court Judge, retaining both positions until his death.

On Sept. 18, 2010, Chris and Jamie were married in Westport, Washington in a pirate-themed wedding on the Washington State tall ship, the Hawaiian Chieftain. Chris is survived by Jamie and their two children, Maxwell Emerson Bates and Merritt Rose Bates of the family home.

Chris was preceded in death by his father, Charles Emerson Bates. In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his mother, Mary Bates of Pueblo, Colorado; two brothers: Noah Emerson (Alexis) Bates of Lacy, Washington and Colin. Michael (Scott) Bates of Sydney, Australia; and special aunts: Patsy Thorn, Carpinteria, California and Susan Becchetti, San Carlos, California. Chris has many cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends who will mourn his loss.

There will be a celebration of his life on Sunday, March 13 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Rotary Log Pavilion in Aberdeen, Washington.

The family asks that any memorial donations be made to Maxwell Bates and Merritt Bates’ future education in honor of their father. Contributions may be made by sending separate checks made out in each child’s name:

C/O Easter & Stoney

PO Box 3037

Elma, WA 98541

Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.