Remembering Rick Bates
R. G. Miller Engineers is mourning the loss of Richard “Rick” Bates, Jr., 67, who passed away suddenly on January 18.
Rick was a Platting Coordinator who came to our firm in 2014 with many years of experience in the field. He is remembered by his co-workers as genuine and friendly with a sense of humor – someone whom everyone liked. Fellow Platting Manager Troy Nixon remembers him as a big man who rode his BMW motorcycle to work every day. “He looked rough and tough on the outside, but was really kind and gentle underneath,” he said.
A music lover who enjoyed going to concerts, he also avidly followed sports teams, most notably the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Astros. “You could always count on an interesting and great story, particularly about life and engineering conversations, with Rick, and you would always walk away laughing. We’re going to miss him!” said Andrew Paderanga, vice president – private markets.
Rick and his wife, Jan, had two daughters, Grayson and Jessie, and long-time friend Brian Munger of TX-Morrow Construction remembers how much he loved his family and how proud he was of his girls. “He brought great joy to my life and I will miss him deeply,” he said. “My heart breaks for his family and friends who will miss him on a daily basis.”
“This is a great loss for our firm – both personally and professionally,” said Jack Miller, president of R. G. Miller Engineers. “Rick not only contributed knowledge, experience and dedication to his job, he also was a well-loved member of the RGME staff. We offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends.”