Robert H. Bates, honored citizen of the Shepherd community, passed away on Sept. 20, 2008 at the age of 99.
The Shepherd Community Fund was established in 1998 to honor Robert H. Bates, an involved, valued and highly respected member of the Shepherd community. Individuals and organizations in the area chose to use the Shepherd Community Fund as a way to pay tribute and thank Mr. Bates for all he has given to the Shepherd community.
Bob Bates moved to Shepherd in 1915 at the age of six. He served in the South Pacific during World War II, and returned to Shepherd to teach mathematics at the local schools. Later, he became high school principal, serving in the Shepherd School System for 27 years. Since retirement, Mr. Bates has continued to positively influence his community by staying active in his church, Food with Friends and the Isabella Community Soup Kitchen. Bates also assisted in the establishment of the Shepherd Area Historical Society and the Little Red School House Museum and Power House Museum in Shepherd.
When asked about the Shepherd Community Fund (foundation) honoring him, Bates said "I consider it to be an honor because of the nature of the foundation itself".
The Shepherd Community Fund awards grants to organizations whose programs or services foster the general welfare of Shepherd area citizens, just as Bob Bates has done for years. Donations to the fund are endowed which means they will never be spent. The gifts are invested and the interest is used to benefit the Shepherd community now…and forever!
Any organization providing programs or services that benefit the residents living in the Shepherd School District may apply for a grant from the Shepherd Community Fund.
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© 2012 Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation
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