Card Message: We are all deeply shocked to hear of the sudden death of Dr. Bates. We would like to offer our deepest sympathy. Dr. Bates and Connie are very dear to my husband Heijiro and myself. It was our pleasure to become intimate friend while they stayed at Dazaifu, Japan, where he taught conversational English at Fukuoka women’s College. We were really lucky to meet them. Although they stayed only 2 years, it was enough for us to form deep and lasting freindship. After they returned home, we had a chance to travel east coast of the states together. It became one of our unforgettable trip. I remember he was always smiling. We would not forget the way he look through his glasses. Also, we remember Dr.Bates and Connie were always stay together. They were models for a marriage of love. We certainly missed his presence in our lives. May his soul rest in peace. Chizuko and Heijiro Akiyoshi