Paul Simon Bates

Paul Simon Bates, of Cortez, CO., was born July 21, 1951 in Buffalo, NY the son of Anthony and Wanda Rose (Smith) Bates. He passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2019 at Southwest Memorial Hospital at the age of 68.
Paul’s parents Anthony and Wanda Rose (Smith) Bates raised Paul along with 10 other children in New York. Paul spent his childhood working on the family farm with many tasks he loved to reminisce about with a smile on his face.
He spent his adult life moving all over the United States working in many fields from nursing homes, restaurants, oil fields and construction companies. Paul loved being around people, learning new skills and always had a joke.
In 2016 Paul remarried the love of his life, Weltha M. Kelsch-Bates and then received a double lung transplant in Denver, CO. During his time in Denver he met many people and was overjoyed to meet a few Denver Bronco players, although his favorite sport to watch was hockey, he was a diehard Avalanche fan!
After his lung transplant he certainly had to slow down a little but still found much joy in wood working, cooking and spending time with his family who live nearby. This last summer was filled with many trips with the family, most notably, a 3 day camping trip in Silverton Co.
Surviving Paul are his spouse, Weltha M. Kelsch-Bates of Cortez, CO; his children, Selena Yerico of Dunkirk, NY, Michael Kricheldorf of Lynchburg, VA, Gregory Kricheldorf of Buffalo, NY, Glenn Kricheldorf of Pleasant View, CO; and 12 grandchildren. Paul was preceded in death by his parents. He was one of 11 children.
With heavy hearts we say goodbye to our beloved, funny, joyful friend.