Norman R. Bates, a resident and physician on Vashon Island from 1957 to 1965, died Feb. 20, 2004, in Seattle. He was 80 years old.

He was born Oct. 22, 1923, to Olga and Harold Bates. He grew up with an older brother in Brooklyn, New York, and both joined the Army in 1942.

Mr. Bates served with the 10th Mountain Division, 87th Regiment in Northern Italy until 1945. The GI bill provided the opportunity for him to attend Middlebury College where he ran cross-country and track, developed a love for American literature and earned a degree in Biochemistry.

He met Helen Guernsey at Middlebury and they married in 1951. He practiced medicine for many years on Vashon Island and in West Seattle. As a family doctor, one of the responsibilities that he enjoyed most was delivering babies.

He engaged his family with his love of the mountains and water. Family time was spent snow skiing, hiking, and boating. Norm also enjoyed square dancing, painting, sculpting, gardening and running marathons.

In later years, Dr. Bates moved to a farm in Enumclaw. There, he raised horses, ran, gardened and skied at Crystal.

Survivors include a brother, Jim Bates of New York, a son, Steve Bates of Seattle, and three daughters, Marti Carl of Richland, Kathryn Hill of Walla Walla and Karin Ockerman of Kirkland, and 10 grandchildren. His ex-wife, Helen Bates, lives in Des Moines.

Marta Ekland and her daughter Jill were friend sand supported the family throughout the years.

A private gathering will be held to celebrate his life.

Friends and family say they will miss his knowledge, humor, generosity and gentle caring way.

Friends are invited to share memories and sign the family’s online guestbook at www.flintofts.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to Flintofts Issaquah Funeral Home.