Pickering friends launch memorial fund for dad Greg Bates, 49

Friends of Pickering father Greg Bates, 49, have started a memorial fund to support his children's education and athletic aspirations after his sudden passing on Nov. 4. The fund has raised $6,950 of its $20,000 goal.

By Daily Durham News

Nov 14, 2026, 10:22 a.m. ET1 min read

An empty soccer field with a running track under a cloudy sky. File photo. — File photo: an empty soccer field. Greg Bates loved soccer and passed that passion on to his children; this image does not show Bates or his family. (Photo: Richard Eriksson / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0) · Credit: Richard Eriksson / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Friends of Pickering father Greg Bates, 49, have started a memorial fund to support his children's education and athletic aspirations after his sudden passing on Nov. 4, 2026.

Bates was the beloved husband of Jenny and the proud father of Adrianna and Ethan, and the fund was started in honour of his children. The fundraiser is organized by Trish Biffin for Jenny Bates.

Bates was a devoted dog-lover and outdoor enthusiast who loved camping, golf, long walks and nature hikes, and he passed his passion for soccer on to his children, who have become prominent soccer players. He worked as Director of Facilities and Operations at Dayforce.

As of Saturday, Nov. 14, the fund has raised $6,950 of its $20,000 goal, with 24 donations.

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