LEWISTON – To know him was to love him – a talented artist, proud gold-medal Special Olympian, champion bowler, lover and charmer. The world lost an amazing brother, uncle, son and friend on August 25, 2021, due to Alzheimer’s disease.

Born August 28, 1960 (at 4:10 p.m. as he loved to tell people) to loving parents Ronald J. Bates and Eileen (Goss) Bates. The fifth child and only son, Thomas was born with Down Syndrome. Doctors advised his parents to put him in an institution, that he would be sickly, never live past the age of five, and his four sisters would be embarrassed and ashamed of him. Embarrassed too many times to count, but ashamed never. Rejecting the doctors’ advice, Thomas’ parents brought him home where he was loved and cared for – especially by his sisters who could never have been prouder of the person he grew up to be.

Although Thomas faced many early challenges, he was able to attend the Garcelon Grade School and graduate from Madison Street School in Auburn, Maine. Tommy (or “T” as he became known to friends and family) attended Pathways in the late ‘70’s, early ‘80’s and then moved to Florida with his parents where he acquired his love for ceramics. Upon returning to Maine in 2000, he attended Creative Trails and then returned to Pathways where he was so proud to be working and bringing home a paycheck. When Tommy’s health started to decline and he needed more assistance, he was welcomed with open arms at Twarog, a day program that he loved attending. T also loved volunteering at the SPCA walking the dogs and collecting sheets and towels for their bedding.

Tommy was a gold medalist many times over in the Special Olympics, winning the backstroke, racewalk, softball throw and equestrian event with his horse Willie. He was also a talented artist, having sold his work at art shows. He was an amazing crafter making ceramic pieces, potholders, placemats and blankets to give as gifts.

He was also a talented and gifted dancer. There was never a wedding where the women weren’t lined up waiting to be swept across the floor by his Fred Astaire and John Travolta moves. T was a lover of country music and concerts – he was the number one fan of Emerson Drive. He also loved “oldies but goodies” music, with the Moon Dawgs being his favorite band. Ever the gentleman, he loved complimenting people, often heard saying, “you are so beautiful” or “you look so nice”. When it came to his sisters, Tommy often referred to himself as Charlie and them as his angels – he was never shy to tell everyone how lucky he was to have them by his side. It has been their precious honor to have had him as their brother for 61 years – fly high our dear little brother!

Thomas is survived by his three sisters, Barbara and husband Sparky Witham, Katherine and husband Robert Roy, and Victoria and husband Rick Ballard. He is also survived by his nieces Melissa Pacios, Jennifer and husband Chris Martin, Rhonda Clukey, nephew Ronnie Clukey and wife Brandy, nieces Sarah Roy and husband Oscar Dunn, Laura and husband Charles Kibort, Jana and husband Brad Mates, Jill and husband David Pichette, Trisha and husband Chris Merrill, and Bridey and husband Thomas Kennedy. He also took much pride and joy in his 16 great nieces and nephews.

Thomas was predeceased by his father, Ronald (2006), his mother Eileen (2010) and his oldest sister Judith Pacios (2010).

Special thanks to Malinda, his Androscoggin Hospice Nurse; Michelle his CNA; his group staff, Katelyn, Mookie, Chouckri, Khadija, Amber, Tom, Linda, Melinda, Shari and Karen; his Progress Center caseworkers, Ashleigh, Miranda, Julia, John, Nicole, and Grace; Mariann from Twarog; Medora from Pathways; and his doctors, Betty Kennedy, Paul Raczynski and Thomas Mogan; and special family friends Maddie and George Berube, Kelly Bisbee and family, Lynn Fuller and Caitlain Jasper.

Due to the pandemic, Thomas’s celebration of life will be held in late Spring, more details will be shared at that time.

In lieu of flowers,

please send donations to the Maine Chapter Special Olympics at:

Special Olympics Maine

125 John Roberts Rd #5

South Portland, ME 04106



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