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Memories of

Rupert Bates

30th August 1956       17th January 2021

Book Owner: desmond mccarthy

Book Size:  500 Messages

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Kwok Li

It is January, 2026 and I have just found out about the passing of Rupe. I met Rupe at Colet Court Prep School (1964-1969) where we were in the Cub Scouts together. I remember a trip where we went camping to Pevensy, staying in old army trype canvas tents, I was sharing a tent with Rupe when one night he told me that he had brought his pet camping with him to my surprise. I asked what and where it was, upon which he pulled out an old tin with a snail in it. Typical Rupe. We had a lot of fun times and I distinctly remember laughing a lot, I still have a signed photo he got me from his father Michael from “Patton”. So sorry to hear that you are gone Rupe, too early, rest in peace. Your old chum Kwok Li….

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Jeremy

He was responsible. When anyone, anywhere reached out for help, he wanted the hand of AA always to be there. And for that: he was responsible. RIP Rupert….

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Nick

I attended my first meeting at Ormond Road, Richmond sometime in 2010 and came to realise that Rupert always had something magical and articulate to share. It’s why I came back to meetings time and time again. The words that came from his sharing were poetic and often left you pondering and wanting more. What an incredible person who made the time whenever you needed his help. You will be missed, I can’t believe it….

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Frank Ogle

Ah, Master Rupert …… Always in my heart Love to all who laughed , cried, and sang with Rupert. What do we do now the party has gone?…

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Adrian K

Dear Rupert,   Thank you for all your incredible years of service, wisdom, kindness and smiles. You always brightened a room and brought laughter to it wherever you went. Rest in peace x In fellowship….

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Euan Macnaughton

I am a lucky man to have known and spent good quality time with Rupert. Of course, I am deeply sadened by his death and feel cheated that I didn’t have the chance to say good bye. There is nothing much that I can add that has not already been said. I’ll try.   It was his voice that I was was aware of before him. I was sitting head bowed in a meeting in Richmond, probably feeling sorry for myself, and this voice with such clarity, great diction and self deprecating humour caught my attention. He, amongst others, saught me out at the end of the meeting and offered me hope and friendship. It was all a bit much I remember but I returned. So it obviously wasn’t too much. I am now sober for almost 14 years.  Rupert gave me labouring and painting work just when it was needed most. I was broke. Years after our first meeting Rupert and I would meet once a week to write together. We created something which we felt was pretty good. We have pitched it to different parties over the years unfortunately without success. No matter. It meant I got to…

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Kristian B

Dear Rupert, Thank you for always being at the Tuesday  meeting with a warm welcome and your booming eloquence, especially in my early days. For being present and taking the time to share your joy and practicable wisdom, it gave me hope and kept me coming back. Yours was a quality of sobriety I wanted. I am grateful to have made your aquantance. Kristian….

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Ayleen Lapper

My Dear Rupert,  I hadn’t know you that long but in the time I have spent with you at Raynes Park, you made a huge impression on me. You are a fountain of wisdom & I absolutely loved listening to you share. You radiate happiness & gratitude 🙏 I don’t think I’ve met a more genuine & beautiful soul. We miss you xx ❤️…

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Rachael Pinder

Rupert was a lovely man, who had so much enthusiasm for the AA 12 Step programme and such a sunny disposition. I will miss his sharing and, in particular, his use of the word “extraordinary” to describe the benefits of sobriety in AA. He was truly an extraordinary person, and I am so sorry that he has died. I am sure, however, that I am only one of many who will remember Rupert with tremendous fondness. …

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Nigel McNeill-Moss

Dear Rupert, I remember you very well. ‘Back in the day’ when most meetings were gas light and we were all as keen as mustard and fellowship laughter resonated everywhere, largely innated by your jokes, warmth, levity and good example. Rupert, you were always a good egg and I remember you very fondly. Also, you were the best Doctor Who The BBC never hired!    …

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Sarah Browne (Wimbledon)

Dear Rupert,  God rest your beautiful soul.  I first met you at Kingston Hill many years ago and you were a wonderful part of my journey.  Thank you for all you did to help so many. Rest in peace lovely man. Sarah B xxx…

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CliveT

Thank you, dear Rupert, for your enthusiasm, love and service over many years. May your spiritual aeroplane carry your blessed soul to the stars and the infinite love of your own God….

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Jasmine

Dear Rupert, Thank you for your service throughout the years. Even though I never had the pleasure of meeting you in person, I will always remember you. May God bless you and your family. Jasmine …

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Gary C

I attended my first meeting at Ormond Road, Richmond on Tuesday 26th January 2010 with an overwhelming desire to take a drink after the meeting. Rupert was secretary at that meeting. I don’t remember much about the meeting itself in terms of who was doing the chair or their content. I now know that it was suggested that I listen out for the similarities and not the differences although I didn’t understand that concept at all. But what happened after the meeting would change my life forever. Rupert, and a few others, approached me and asked for my telephone number. Nobody had wanted that for a goodly while and the arrogance in me thought that those guys could obviously see some potential in me, perhaps I could be of value to them? It turns out that that very thought would be true but not in the way I thought! Rupert said something along the lines of “my sponsor has suggested that it would help keep me sober if I can have your number and keep in touch with you.” He did that. But before I went home that evening he helped me identify what an alcoholic was. I knew…

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Sham

Love you Roops you were one in a million God Speed my friend ❤️…