Zachery Tyler Bates Obituary (1978 - 2013)

February 20th was a beautiful day in heaven. Zack's grandparents were there enjoying the music as usual. Imagine their surprise at being joined by Zack. He had a busy day planned – but unexpectedly his heart stopped, breaking all of ours. Zack came to our family as a gift. The kind that delights you everyday. His parents, LouAnn Smith Bates and Gene Bates watched their feisty redhead grow into a kind, loving man that enjoyed boating, water skiing, and giving big bear hugs. After serving an LDS mission to the North Carolina Raleigh mission and loving it, Zack finished his associates degree in business. He fell in love with and married Keni LeBlanc. Their love produced two beautiful daughters, Alex and Camryn. They were the sun, moon and stars of Zack's universe. Though later divorced, they continued providing a loving and warm family. Those of us surviving Zack, his parents, Gene and LouAnn Bates, his incredible daughters, his sister Allison (Keith) Colson and their children Carly, Nick, and Erin Jane, and many nurturing aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends will hold him tightly in our hearts. Speak tenderly of him each day and remember what a beautiful person Zack was. Funeral services will be held at the Cottonwood Creek Stake Center, 1535 East Creek Road (7600 S), Cottonwood Heights, Utah, on Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 2:00 pm. A viewing will be held on Saturday from 12:30-1:45 at the church. Interment at Larkin Sunset Gardens. Online condolences at www.jenkins-soffe.com. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Perpetual Education Fund in Zack's name.