Obituary

Richard Doane Bates Jr., Ph.D., of Chevy Chase, MD, died on March 3, 2023, at age 78 after a long illness. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, educator, and friend, Dick spent nearly 40 years as a professor of chemistry at Georgetown University. His long and distinguished career included positions as Chair of the Chemistry Department, President of the Faculty Senate, Chair and member of many University-wide committees, and advisor to senior members of the University Administration and Board of Directors on the restructuring of Georgetown's Medical Center and other significant matters. Born in Elizabeth, NJ, he graduated from the Pingry School and held degrees from Cornell and Columbia Universities. He was an avid philatelist, recognized as a leading expert in the stamps of the Panama Canal Zone. He was an officer and active member of the Canal Zone Study Group, was the Editor of the Canal Zone Philatelist, and won many awards for his exhibits at national stamp shows. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Ruthann; son Spencer (Jaclyn Halpern) and grandson Oliver of Rockville, MD; daughter Dunlea (Jeff Beverage) of Frederick, MD; sister Susannah Ristine of S. Portland, ME; brother John D. Bates (Carol Rhees) of Bethesda, MD; brother James D. Bates (Patricia) of Wendell, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews.