David E. Bates, formerly of Barrington, RI, died Wednesday, March 8, 2017.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Anne; his daughter, Susan Layer (Gregg); son Scott Bates (Kim); and his grandchildren, Lindsay, Michael, Matthew, Meghan and Kasey. 

He graduated from UMass Amherst. He was owner and president of the A.N. Nunes Insurance Agency in Bristol, active in Bristol Rotary Club, East Bay Chamber of Commerce and the RI Insurance Agents Association, where he was president for several years.

In his younger years, he and his best buddy, Frank Sternberg, coached many Barrington Youth hockey teams. His love was politics. He was elected to Barrington Town Council in 1982 and served to 1992, 4 years as president. He was elected as a Republican to the RI State Senate in 1992, where he served until 2007. He served as Minority Whip for many years.

His life will be celebrated at the Wharf Tavern on Sunday, March 12, from 2-5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the RI Diabetes Association.