In memory of Lucas Bates

On January 8, 2024, Lucas was taken from our family and community after a short but furious battle with a sudden unexpected collection of illnesses.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider donating to this fund. Your contributions will help cover medical expenses, and final arrangements and funeral expenses to provide much-needed support during this heartbreaking time.

From Lucas's dad, Jim Bates:

On January 8 2024, Lucas was taken from us after a short but furious battle with a sudden unexpected collection of illnesses whose combined effect infected his blood, his spinal fluid, and his kidneys. Luc fought and fought, and after 8 days of battling this assault, he was overcome.

How this kind-hearted, sweet boy could be taken from his loving family and a community that he supported with his heart and soul and his abilities is beyond comprehension. Luc was the boy who befriended the less capable. He immediately scaled an 8 foot fence when he heard a faint call for help from an elderly neighbor. Also sobbed at the loss of family pets.

This world will certainly miss this kind soul that is gone at such an early stage in life.

Lucas will of course live in the hearts of those he touched. With searing pain from the laughs not given, from the loss of a mentor, and a coach who provided a special service with little or no regard to a financial future sacrificed for a game and volunteerism.

Our family will continue to ask why.

In the days and weeks to come, we will find a proper way to memorialize our son, our friend, and will culminate with a memorial of a life ended too soon.

Please remember our son and treat each other as he treated everyone. Show the universe the mistake in depriving us of our son’s influence and service.

Please respect space for our grieving family. We are devastated and heartbroken.

A note from the fundraiser:

I am setting this fundraising page up on behalf of my Uncle Jim and Aunt Wendy during this heartbreaking time and devastating loss, an experience no parent should have to experience, let alone more than once.

I have always been grateful for the ways my Uncle showed up for me as a kid, including being one of my first coaches in a game he and Lucas both loved. I hope this page will allow others who've felt this a way to show up for them now.