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John C. Bates Jr.
October 1, 1960 ~ July 22, 2017 (age 56) 56 Years OldShare using:
JOHN C. BATES JR
October 1, 1960-July 22, 2017
John Conrad Bates, Jr., loving husband of Kristen Vojik Bates and devoted son of Lynn Hubert Bates and the late John (Jack) Bates, Sr., unexpectedly passed away on July 22, 2017. From the minute John was born on October 1, 1960 in Youngstown, OH he lived every moment to the fullest and truly loved his life. John’s family moved up and the down the east coast before settling in Richmond, VA where he attended high school. Most of John’s adult life was spent in Baltimore, MD, where he made many lifelong friends and met the love of his life, Kristen. John and Kristen married, and in 2004 they opened their own business, Baltimore Taphouse in Canton, MD. John was often referred to as a pioneer of the Baltimore Craft Beer Scene.
In his twenties, John fell in love with New Orleans and its blues music and culinary culture. He became a connoisseur of good food, great beer, and coffee and was a proud fan of his beloved Baltimore Birds—the Ravens and the Orioles.
What John loved most in life was meeting and talking with people and listening to their stories.
John was known as a quiet, gentle man with a kind soul. He was a responsible and well-respected member of the community, and a loving and supportive husband, son, brother, son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend—a title he did not take lightly. John is also survived by his brother, Paul Bates; his sister, Beth Ann Sheehan, and brother-in-law, Jim Sheehan; four nephews, Brad Shepard, and Adam, Connor, and Jake Sheehan. He is also survived by his in-laws: Bonnie Vojik; Mary Beth, John, and Noelle Railey; and Linda, Chris, Elizabeth, and Katie Donhauser. John was loved by his late father-in-law, Al Vojik, Jr. He had a special place in his heart for his dog Charlie and cats Growler and Nola.
A celebration of John’s life will take place on August 5, 2017 from 6PM-8PM at Racers Café located at 7732 Harford Road, Parkville, MD 21234. In lieu of flowers or donations, John would most appreciate random acts of kindness.