In Memoriam - Capt. Alan Lawrence Bates - 1923-2012

Alan

Alan was knowledgeable and talented in so many areas, and was kind enough to share this with us. Of course the NATCHEZ in my mind is his greatest contribution to us, but I remember at his River Ramblings talk at the Howard that he played an Alpenhorn for us too. His writings in his varied books and Waterways Journal Old Boat Columns have enriched us also. It was an honor when he included me several years ago as one of his possible successors to writing the Old Boat Column. What a great compliment. But his greatest gift was his friendship, which I will cherish forever.

My heartfelt condolences go out to his family in this time of loss. His kindness and willingness to share (through his designs, drawings, writings, and the verbal word) his love of the river with others was so appreciated by so many. Many of us owe a debt of gratitude to him for what he has shared with us. I for one, will never forget his willingness to share this love of steamboating with a little 10 year old kid from down the block. Through discussions, information, drawings, his books, and many other things I came to know steamboating in such a great way my mind could have never conceived! He sent me on a few wild goose chases to get some of it, too! That was just the kind of person he was. As Judy has said, leaving behind his beautiful design achievements such as the Str. NATCHEZ, Str. CHAUTAUQUA BELLE, M/V SOUTHERN BELLE, and many other boats he designed are a legacy to his love of steamboating. With out his involvement, I seriously doubt we would have the Str. BELLE OF LOUISVILLE today. His ability to go to her and make her run after the City of Louisville purchased the AVALON was the legendary kind of thing books are written from (and he did!). The countless projects he did for that vessel alone are testament to his love of and educated knowledge of steamboats. Through timeless designs of boats he has left us many people will learn and know of steamboating who otherwise wouldn't. The sad part is those people will never have known the man whose work went into those designs. They won't know the person who toiled through both experience and hundreds of pages of literature to make those great vessels happen. Thank you, Capt. Alan...you have left us so much to enjoy and enrich our lives with!

Rest in peace, dear Captain...thank you!

Our deepest sympathy to Rita and all of Alan´s family!

It was a great honor having been a friend of Alan. A great riverman, a wonderful designer and an extraordinaire writer!

Alan, we will miss you and your sense of humor!

Carmen, Franz and Leonie

Likewise to previous postings... it's a sad way to start the New Year. My deepest sympathy to Rita, family, and all who knew and loved Captain Alan Bates.

My sincere condolances to Alan's family. Travis has put my feelings into words much better than I could. I enjoyed Alan's friendship for many years and learned much from it. He will be missed, but we need to remember what he left for all of us to learn from and to enjoy and be grateful.

A Landmark in History

The sad news of the passing of Capt. Alan Bates is a more than just the passing of a friend. It is a landmark in history. Capt. Bates was a legendary source of historical information, prolific and entertaining writer, and an incomparable marine architect. The world community has lost a treasure.

Remembering Capt. Alan Bates

Friends,

I am saddened by the news, but grateful for a peaceful "crossing over" for Alan. I only knew him from posts here at .org, but send my sympathy to all of you who knew him better and for a longer time.

Blessings as we begin a New Year.

Wesley

In July of 2009, I attended another fine presentation at the Howard Museum and Alan Bates was the guest Speaker...and yes, Judy, that's when he blew the alpenhorn! He started out by saying that he was the luckiest man alive and in support of that statement, went on to enumerate a plethora of blessings that life had bestowed upon him. He then gave us some of the stored wisdom accumulated in that life...way beyond his three score and ten. Well, his life was one of the blessings bestowed upon us who knew him...and many who did not! We all left that meeting, going our various ways...I went directly to Florida and bought another steam launch...in which I was lucky enough to host him as pilot. You can catalog a long list of the reasons we all loved him but not the least of them was the joy of his companionship. So, our condolences to Rita, all of his family and all his MANY friends far and near. First Photo: Bill Ray, Alan Bates, Rita Bates, Jim Reising on JIM'S DREAM; Alan at the wheel of JIM's DREAM; Alan at the wheel of MISS BLUE. That's Rabbit Hash in background Travis behind Alan, Cap'n Walnut stuffing the fire box and Chief Kenny Howe on the water in the stern sheets. The last one is a John Fryant photo. Carol & Tom Schiffer

Very sad to hear that Alan has passed. I first met him around 1960 when I played in a band he was also in. I didn't see him again until the Steamboat History Conference in 1996 or 1997 at Louisville. I have some video of him holding a clinic on building model steamboats at that meeting and again on a few other occasions. He was also a railfan and contributed occasionally to the Dixie Line magazine of the L&N Historical Society. A lot of folks are going to miss him from both the river and rail circles. What man of accomplishment he was!

I send my sympathy to his family.

-Jim Herron

Farewell to a Faithful Friend

Indeed, we will greatly miss Capt. Alan Bates. I first met him in 1968, at the age of 14, shortly after I was hopelessly infected with "steamboat fever"! Since that time, I have treasured his friendship and all that he imparted to me over the years as I asked him countless questions about steamboating!

It would be nigh impossible to enumerate ALL that Alan has done to preserve and promote steamboating and river history. He is well known all over the world and hardly a week goes by that we don't receive an order for his books at the museum from faraway places such as Germany, Italy and England!

As many know, Alan was a founder of the Howard Steamboat Museum and served as the first president when it opened in 1958. It was here, 43 years ago, that I first shook hands with him -- and it seemed appropriate that the museum was also to be the last place I would shake hands with Alan. Although very ill, he made a valiant effort to attend a panel discussion on Sunday, November 13th, at which Alan, Jim Reising, Kenny Howe, Ruth Richter Heffern (granddaughter of Capt. Jim & Loretta Howard) and I told of the early days of the museum and our involvement with it. A standing room only crowd of appreciative listeners greatly enjoyed the program and especially reveled in the humorous tales that Alan related with great wit.

Following the program, Alan disclosed to several that he was terminally ill and had perhaps two months remaining. He softened the shocking news with, "I am ready." As he left the mansion, I took his hand and said, "Thank you Alan for EVERYTHING!" He understood exactly what I meant and replied, "You're very welcome Keith -- Carry on!"

During the summer of 1969, I one day circulated an autograph book in the pilothouse of the Str. BELLE of LOUISVILLE as we chugged up the river. I cherish the inscription that Alan wrote in it and which reads, "To Keith, who at 15 years old is TOO OLD to escape the river!"

Alan was a very generous friend, who not only shared of his vast knowledge, but also of his memorabilia. My river collection contains numerous pictures, artifacts and other items courtesy of Alan. Typical of those wonderful river people who are 'happy to give' and who wish to pass it along as a sacred trust.

Many on this forum were in attendance for the 2009 offering of my "River Ramblings" educational lecture series at the museum when Alan was the presenter. I asked him to "reflect" upon his river experiences and to especially tell of his friendship with Capt. Jim Howard. This he did and it was certainly an outstanding program that will be long remembered. Alan told me later that doing that program and having such a rapt audience brought him great joy.

In the coming days, weeks and months, many of us will continue to reflect upon our personal associations with Alan and all that he meant to us. His loss is great and our hearts are heavy with sadness, but just as he said to me that day at the museum, we must "carry on" --- as he would want us to --- and to continue singing the song in his heart. Until we all meet again on the shore of a heavenly, shimmering river, may he rest in eternal peace.

Flags are at half mast aboard the Str. BELLE of LOUISVILLE and in New Orleans aboard the Str. NATCHEZ. A floral tribute will be placed in the hallway of the Howard Steamboat Museum.

Images: Alan's final visit to the Howard Steamboat Museum - Sunday, November 13, 2011
(1) Left to right: Keith, Alan and Tom Schiffer in the mansion dining room.
(2) Photo magician Jimmy Reising, Chief Kenny Howe, Curator Keith, Capt. Alan, Capt. Walnut. Truly an august crew!

I came home to this sad news today after spending it with a budding steamboater. My great nephew is 3 1/2 years old, but already loves the boats (steamboats especially), the river, whistles, calliope, etc.. Thanks Keith, for sharing "carry on". That we must do!

Sincere sympathies to all in the Bates family upon hearing of Capt Alan's passing, may perpetual light shine upon him...

It is sad news, indeed, to hear of the loss of such an important contributor to this life that we all know and love. I was only able to meet Capt. Bates once while working in Louisville this past summer, but I'm glad that I did. Without his vision, not only may I not have had my experience on the BELLE, but I also wouldn't have what has become an important part of my life, the Str. NATCHEZ. Sure, my father and grandfather could have found some other architect that could have built something suitable for handling the ever-changing chaos that is the New Orleans Harbor, but when Capt. Way told them that he knew a man with a boat in mind, they followed the lead. Boy, am I glad they did! The NATCHEZ has been nothing but wonderful to not only my family, but also countless people who have ridden her and relied on her for work. She will be a lasting testament to Capt. Bates' vision, and I pray we do all we can to keep his ALL of his visions alive and running. My condolences go out to his family. A long and two shorts to Capt. Bates, may we meet on the other side.

Above Sir Christopher Wren's tomb in London's St .Paul Cathedral is the inscription, "Reader, if you seek his monument, look around you." I think the same can be placed above where Alan's cremains will be interred. Look around and you'll find the NATCHEZ, the CHAUTAUQUA BELLE, and others. Look around and you'll find numerous books and "Waterways Journal" articles. Look around and you'll find a loving family and many friends. Look around and you just might be in the right spot to hear an Alpenhorn blowing. Yes, gentle reader look around.

That is a beautiful tribute to a unique river man, Frank. Everywhere we look we will always feel Alan's contributions to river navigation while being reminded of a great friend who left us a mighty legacy. I join countless others in offering sincere condolences to Alan's family and prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul.

Thank You

I am Larry Bates, the son of Alan Bates. My famly and I would like to thank you all for the wonderful words about my fatherand the your outpouring of sympathies. My fathers wish as to be cremated and have no viewing or funeral service. He does want us to have a party to celebrate his life. At this time we have made no plans on how to fulfill this wish. We will be doing something, and when we work out a plan I will post in the forum to let everyone know what is going on.
I would like to share a few memories of him with you as growing up in the Bates household was not in line with the norm.
Any time we traveled we would take numerous side trips to get a glimpse of the river, a boat, or a railroad. Sometimes they would be quite dull, and at others very interresting. I remember that one such jaunt ended with us checking out a steamboat the was stranded in a corn field by receding flood waters. When the W.P. Snyder Jr. made her last (I believe) trip under steam to become part of the museum in Marinetta we chased her down as she was locking through. Daddy and I took off running through some weeds and then down the floodwall to the locks. He spoke to a deckhand and then picked me up and tossed me down about eight feet to his arms then jumped after me. So, I got to ride in her pilot house on her last trip. When the L&N railroad discontinued their regular use of steam locomotives Daddy had my mother drive my older sister and me to a small town east of Louisville where he flaged down the train. My sister, my father and I ended up riding the last scheduled steam train into Louisville. When the Sprague was being towed through Louisville we were up until two in the morning searching the river wist of Louisville for her. We never did find her, so Daddy held us out of school the next day and we went down to the warf and watched her come out of the canal and head up under the second street bridge. He said it was a living history lesson so we missed nothing in school that day. I could probably fill pages with this kind of thing, but enough is enough. He was an extremely intelligent man with an inquisitive mind. He once got in an arguement with the Coast Guard about drawings he had submitted for a boat. I believe it was a question of stability or volume. He was speaking to them on the phone about it and they told him his calculations were wrong. He insisted otherwise and they told him to run them again and call them back. He called back fifteen minutes later and told them that his calculations were correct. They told him it would take him at least three days of hard work to run the numbers. He informed them that he had run them on his computer. They replied that there was no computer program to run those calculations. He told them that he had written one. This was quite a few years before computers became common place. A week later they called him back and informed him that his figures were indeed correct, and that the designe was approved. Anything he wanted to do, he found books on it and learned how. He was not only an expert on the river and steamboats, he was also a rail fan (steam locomotives), a writer, a musician, a painter, sculptur, woodworker, and a dedicatged do it yourselfer.
Life was always interresting with him and there was always some project to talk about. We are sad right now and will miss him terriably, but on the other side of the equasion, he was eighty eight years old and had a good healthy run at life. He was aqlways his own man and did what interrested him. What more can any of us ask of life.
Larry

A wise river man once taught me our legacy will not be the miles we made or the steel we painted. No one will ever remember these things. The legacy will be carried on in the people we trained, coached and mentored.

All of us can readily recall that Mate that cared enough to take us under his wing, our first training Captains when we were Steersman and all the people that helped us to become river men or river women. Alan was one of those people.

When recalling Alan, several stories come to mind. Alan was huge help and influence when the Belle was undergoing a restoration in the early 2000’s. When we wanted to move the life jackets from the overhead racks the local USCG said it would have to be approved by Washington. When I told them Alan would be doing the plans and stability calculations the local OCMI said, “Ok, since Alan is involved we can approve that locally.”

Alan cautioned Mike Fitzgerald and me to not let the Dance Floor décor get “to dark” as it caused trouble on the boats. “Keep it light and bright and people will behave” and to remember this was an old boat and to not let her get too modern.

Alan had an ongoing contract with the old Jefferson County to provide architectural services for the Belle. He was paid $60.00 dollars per hour or as he said, “a dollar a minute.” I never received a bill for the full amount of the time he spent working on a project.” I am not sure that it was well known that Alan held an architect stamp and did not go to architectural school. He took several advanced math classes at U o L and passed the exam.

In one of many conversations held in the Pilothouse with Alan, I once asked him what his secret was to writing so well. In his serious voice he replied, I write all day, put it away at night and review it the next day. I take out half the words and then may have something that is worth reading.

Well good Captain, your legacy lives on. Your legacy is not only in your words, books and deeds but in a group of people that you influenced far and wide. You were a true Renaissance Man.

architect

I am not sure that it was well known that Alan held an architect stamp and did not go to architectural school. He took several advanced math classes at U o L and passed the exam.

He was the only architect in the state of Kentucky that was not a collage graduate. It took him several tries to pass the exam. He past all of the questions, but they fluncked him on his design problem. When he went back to take the test the last time he found that they were putting up a building that had the same face that they had flunked him on. They just could not stand the fact that someone who had not graduated from collage could educate himself and pass their test.

WJ Old Boat Column

As Kevin mentioned, a person's real legacy is in those he trained, coached, mentored.The last river project that Alan was doing is the Waterways Journal Old Boat Column, which he assumed writing after Jimmy Swift's passing. Thanks in part to Alan's mentoring and sharing, the next writer of the Old Boat Column is prepared to continue that fine literary/historical endeavor: Keith Norrington. Alan was very pleased to hear that Keith had accepted the challenge to continue this chronicling of river history. Alan wrote articles until a few weeks ago, so Keith's first epistle will appear later this month.

Following in the Footsteps

Thank you Judy. Yes, with Alan's encouragement and blessing I have agreed to take the wheel of the Old Boat Column. Following in the footsteps of Jimmy Swift and Alan Bates, both of whom were dear friends and mentors since I was a teenager, will be daunting, but I will do my best.

The Howard Steamboat Museum has already begun receiving memorial contributions (as the family requests) in tribute to Alan, who was a founder of the museum and who served as its first president in 1958. Always our "go to man" for advice and answers to baffling questions, it still seems unreal to think of him being gone. But, Alan would NOT want us to mourn -- and we know he would want us to move ahead with the business of keeping steamboating alive in every way possible.

Today, Yvonne and I placed a floral tribute to Alan in the main hallway of the museum. I framed a picture of him, in uniform aboard the BELLE standing next to the roof bell, and wrote the text, giving just a few of his many accomplishments. But what I thought MOST important to impart was that he was a GOOD FRIEND AND MENTOR TO COUNTLESS HISTORIANS, RIVER MEN and WOMEN. I also brought down our model of the BELLE of LOUISVILLE, as it seemed appropriate for his longtime relationship with that steamboat.

For anyone who wishes to send the family a card, please feel free to e-mail me at [email protected] for the address.

Thank you very much!

Keith

P.S. The museum gift shop just received a phone order from Vermont for several of Alan's books. Like the great river he loved, his fame spreads far and wide!

Granddaddy

I have been reading the notes left by persons that I have either met or have heard Granddaddy talk about as well as have received a very touching card from Keith today. I always knew that Granddaddy was special and that people appreciated who he was. I'll never forget going to the Kentucky Railway Museum and getting to fire up ol' 152 and learn the ancient art of filling the dark spots on a moving train with coal. It is an art. He helped get me a tour of the American Queen when it stopped in Louisville after he found out I got caught sneaking aboard through the engine room. He also gave me the most valuable trip of a river excursion on the Delta Queen.

I had always wanted to go on a steamboat trip overnight and he gave me that chance. I met wonderful people and realized how nice it is to unplug from everyday cares and get to really know other passengers. I'll never forget swinging on the big swing at all hours of the day and night and Joyce, one of the chefs, getting a mess of green beans with ham, onion and small potatoes cooked down to a soft mass for us, as Granddaddy couldn't stand the fancy food served in the dining room. He would rather eat a bean sandwich with the rest of the crew. I still remember the way he got mad at me for making a fuss over the greenbeans. He enjoyed them with relish. I also became a Professor and have the certificate. Remember, calliopies spit in the morning.

Being Alan Bates' granddaughter has always been a privilege, as just by saying it I get into hard to reach places. I now have the task of teaching AJ all about him and how it's okay to march to the beat of your own drum, that there are opportunities to learn around every corner and that your Great-Granddaddy thinks you're swell.

Vicky: You may remember that grampa brought you up to Gunpowder Road and we took the steamer MISSIE for a cruise in Big Bone Creek, Mud Lick and South Fork...with you doing some of the piloting. Last November when I saw Alan for the last time he reiterated the story about you and 'ol 152 and that after the MISSIE cruise you said that you could die now, that you'd fired 152 and piloted a steamer. What else was there to do? Well this time he appended with obvious pride that you had done something much more important than either of those things...you'd become a mother...."and a d**d good one, too!" I cannot think of a more important job on earth or a better commendation. Best of luck with it, our condolences for your loss and best wishes for your and AJ's future. Cap'n Walnut and his First Mate.

A Riverman Remembered

Capt. Doc Hawley phoned last evening and we chatted for well over an hour, remembering Alan, and experiences on the AVALON/BELLE, DELTA QUEEN and NATCHEZ. Doc said that pictures were taken of the NATCHEZ with her flag at half mast and that calliopist Debbie Fagnano had paid tribute to Alan by playing "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" and "Didn't He Ramble"!

As Doc said, and I heartily agreed, Alan leaves a legacy that will never be forgotten. Even those who never had the privilege of meeting him, but who read his books and ride boats he designed and resurrected (BELLE) will be influenced by him for generations to come.

Rest easy, Cap.

Alan's obituary appears in this morning's edition of The Courier-Journal

*Alan Bates the 'DO IT YOURSELF!' man.*

Dear Vicky Nugent, Larry Bates & Steamboating colleagues:
Just returning from the holidays in cold, snowy Michigan, I opened my E=Mails and then Steamboats.org with some hesitation. Walter Shrake's initial communique via Sharon and Bob Reynolds, followed by all the fine tributes on this web, says it all and more regarding our friend Alan Bates. My deepest sympathy to the Bates family and all who knew him years longer than me. His voluminous letters we exchanged over the years fill many manila envelopes here in my files along with his publications. Obvious to all of us Alan 'did not suffer fools lightly.'

Some years back Alan accepted my invitation to spend a few days here at our home and to attend a meeting/dinner of the Literary Club of Cincinnati. His signature found in the old Guest Book along with those of Capt. Tom Greene, Capt. Fred Way, poet Robert Frost, Mark Twain and George W. Cable among others. After my introduction with 'bio' Alan received wide attention with a million questions from members over dinner. The next day Alan strode out with me to look over the project to have the Greek Revival portico on our house restored. Within three days an envelope arrived from Alan with finely detailed drawings in precise proportions on the work to be done. This was handed to the carpenters when they arrived later.

Alan's 297 page autiobography titled 'DO IT YOURSELF' in limited edition spells all out and a 'must read' for those able to obtain a copy. His closing page 'Why The Name?' ends with: "And so I offer this advice to our descendents: don't expect others to sustain you; DO IT YOURSELF!"

We have no doubts Keith will admirably fill Alan's shoes in writing the 'Old Boat Column' for WATERWAYS JOURNAL. Best wishes to Rita and the family. Farewell Alan. 'Do not mourn when I cross over the bar.'

R. Dale Flick
Coal Haven Landing, Ohio River, Cincinnati.