A REFLECTION
by Tracy Davis and Cheryl Worthington
Twenty years ago, Carson City lost one of its finest. Pat Bates' death was a loss for the community, the state, and for those who were personally touched by her. And yet, because of the life she lived, Pat continues to live in the hearts of those who knew her, those who loved her.
Pat Bates dedicated her life to those who struggled with their addiction to alcohol and drug abuse. They were her passion. Giving of herself in so many ways and at any time of day, she was there for anyone who needed her. Pat’s dedication had no monetary value; it was her way of “paying it forward,” for her own personal recovery.
Pat Bates, with her boisterous laugh, her magnetic personality, her passionate drive and her boundless energy, drew others to her. But she didn't take herself very seriously. It was only the work that had Pat's attention. That was what Pat took seriously.
Pat dreamed of developing a place where, regardless of financial means, those fighting the terrors of drug and alcohol addiction could come and be made whole. At the time of her death in 1991, Pat Bates was the founder and executive director of the Community Addiction Clinic, now the Community Counseling Center. Today, the center continues to flourish, and Pat’s dream continues, thanks to the dedication of Mary Bryan, executive director, the staff, and the Community Counseling Board of Directors. These people and those who support the center through their contributions not only keep the Center open but have allowed the Center's expansion of its services further into the community. Pat would be so very proud that her dream continues to help restore people, often for the first time, to happy, full lives.
Even though she was in our lives for far too short a time, we and others who knew her, are content that Pat Bates is still here in spirit. We feel her presence every day, in the places we travel, in our last thoughts of the day, and yes, sometimes even in our dreams. Pat cast a light too far to ever be forgotten. As her resting place in Mottsville Cemetery reads:
“WE WILL NEVER SEE HER LIKE AGAIN, IN HER AWESOME INTENSITY AND LOVE, BUT THE WORLD WILL SEE IT FOREVER, FOR SHE GAVE TOO MUCH OF HERSELF AWAY, TO US, FOR THE LIGHT EVER TO BE EXTINGUISHED!!”
Editor's Note: Tracy Davis and Cheryl Worthington are Pat Bates' daughters. Tracy and her husband Michael live in Carson City. Cheryl and David Worthington live in Santa Rosa, Calif.
Pat Bates died Oct. 6. 1991.