North Lawrence- Edward C. Bates, 86, passed away Tuesday Jan, 12th at the Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital in Plattsburgh. Arrangements are entrusted to the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop where visitation will be Sunday from 1-3 pm, with a prayer service at the conclusion of visitation with Fr. Jack Downs. Burial will take place in the spring at Norwich Bridge Cemetery in Huntington, MA. Edward was born on May 29, 1929 in Bronx, NY, son of the late Kimball Shepherd and Ellen (Gould) Bates. He went to school in the Bronx leaving Bronx High School of Science in 1946 to enlist in the U. S. Army. He served in the 341st Finance Disbursing Unit at Ft. Richardson, Alaska and the 57th Finance Disbursing Unit (Fighter Jet) at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. He received his Honorable Discharge in 1949. He returned to Bronx High School of Science and graduated in January 1950. Edward went on to New York University and completed with a Major in Economics. On April 26, 1952 he married Mildred A. Hojer, together they had three sons. After their divorce, he married Rose Mary McGovern, sharing a 21 year union until her passing in 1991. He found companionship with Thelma Greenwood until her passing in 1997 and has had a loving companion in Mary Jane Downs since 1998. Ed worked for the Bank of the Manhattan Company from 1952-1954, then Chase Manhattan Bank from 1954 - 1957 and became a Clerk at the New York Post Office in 1958. In 1964, he began his long career with the U.S. Postal Service. He retired as Tour Supervisor on October 3, 1986. His love of theater arts drew him into acting. He appeared in "The Two Mrs. Carroll's" and "Box & Cox" for the Saint James Theater Guild in NYC, going on to the North Franklin Theatre Group, appearing in "Rumors', " The Canterville Ghost", "Babes in Toyland", "A Christmas Carol", "Cemetery Club", The Sunshine Boys", "Golden Girls", "I'll Be Back Before Midnight", "Arsenic and Old Lace", and "Murder at Rutherford House". Edward also produced "A Talent for Murder" and "Father of the Bride." Edward is survived by his companion, Mary Jane Downs of North Lawrence and his son and daughter in law, Edward Bates and Becky Dominguez of Baldwinsville, Mary Jane's son and daughter Richard and Barbara, his grandchildren Edward Bates, Matthew Bates, Robert Bates, James Bates, and Heather Riddle, the Downs-Brabon grandchildren Brett Downs, Erica Brabon-Hawes, Leah Downs Van Note, Brittany Brabon, Danielle Brabon, the Dominguez grandchildren Laura, Jacob and Monica, several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends. He was predeceased by two sons, Robert and Andrew, one grandson, Jason, and one brother, Allen. Donations may be made in his honor to, The Hastings Hemodialysis Center, 20 4th St, Malone, NY 12953. Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at www.hammillfh.com.