BATES, John Roderick “Rocky”

BATES,John Roderick “Rocky”

December 4, 1939 – August 31, 2026

“Rocky” John Roderick Bates passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026, at the age of 86.

Born in Middle Musquodoboit, Nova Scotia, Rocky was the middle child of seven and grew up in the community where he was born. He spent his younger years working on the family farm, picking blueberries and tapping maple trees alongside his family. He was famously the fastest blueberry picker around—and at 16, his skill earned him first-place prize money and a trophy.

Hard work was simply part of who Rocky was. In his early twenties, he began his journey West, first making his way to Ontario, then British Columbia, and eventually Alberta. At 32, he met Christine, and together they built a family and a life that would shape so many of his years to come. Rocky helped raise the children who were still at home, becoming an important father figure in their lives. He brought warmth, humour, and plenty of nicknames to the family, and his love for them ran deep. Alberta became home, and he lived there for the rest of his life.

A welder by trade, Rocky became an ironworker when he joined Cana Construction. He worked on impressive projects across Alberta, including the Carseland Bridge and the construction of the Saddledome, where he served as a foreman. Later, he became the supervisor of Cana’s steel yard, where he earned the nickname “Rocky Rebar.” He was one of the hardest-working men you could ever meet, and that determination was evident in everything he did.

Eventually, Rocky left construction behind to become a full-time farmer, building a life around the land and his cattle. He loved farming and worked at it with the same energy and dedication he had brought to construction. In the winter months, he enjoyed fur trapping. He finally retired from farming at 80, but he never really retired in his heart and missed his cattle every day.

Rocky loved life and lived his 86 years to the fullest. He was an animal lover, with a special place in his heart for dogs, although cats and horses were loved too. Wherever Rocky went, there was almost always a dog by his side. In his later years, he discovered a love of gardening and spent countless happy hours at the garden at Louie and Trish’s. In the summer, if you wanted to find Rocky, you could almost always find him there with his beloved dog, Fanny.

He loved hockey and ringette and was a number-one fan at family games. He also coached hockey for several years, sharing his love of the game with young players. Rocky was an avid reader and a true-crime enthusiast. He was a wealth of knowledge and could talk about just about anything.

His grandchildren held a very special place in Rocky’s heart. He was especially close to many of them and took great pride in being part of their lives, from everyday visits and adventures to helping them raise prize-winning 4-H calves. He loved watching them grow and was always ready to lend a hand, share a laugh, or offer some hard-earned advice. His grandchildren brought him tremendous joy and were an important part of his life.

Rocky will be deeply missed by his children Kay (Larry), Kevin, Louie (Trish), and Dawn (Bill); daughter-in-law Glenna (Joe); brothers Lyle (Carole), Harry (Adele), and Kirk (David); 17 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends who were fortunate to know and love him.

He was predeceased by his children Cameron and Bruce; his parents Ellie and Ross; his brothers Floyd, Richard, and Charles; and his lifelong friend and cousin, “Snail” Tom Flemming.

Rocky leaves behind a lifetime of hard work, stories, laughter, love, and memories—and a family who will carry him with them always.

The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the medical staff at Strathmore Hospital who cared for Rocky, whose exceptional care, compassion, and kindness brought comfort to him and his family during his final days.

A private celebration of Rocky’s life will be held at a later date.