Seth Robert Bates

Seth Robert Bates, 52, of Missoula, Montana, passed away unexpectedly on May 15, 2026. 

Seth was born on May 7, 1974, in Park Rapids, Minnesota, to Jim Bates and Holly Jo Hastings. He attended school in Minneapolis and graduated from Southwest High School. 

Following graduation, Seth moved to Missoula, where he earned a degree in Anthropology from the University of Montana. He made Montana his home for the remainder of his life. 

Seth was a kind man with a gentle soul and a troubled spirit. He will be remembered for his intelligence, curiosity, and the connections he shared with family and friends throughout his life. He is survived by his son, Caden, and Caden’s mother, Rebecca Salois; his parents, Jim Bates and Holly Jo Hastings; his brother, Yuri (Spouse Rachel, children Yonah and Talia), his uncles, Tom and Bill; his aunts Leesa and Carrie, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members. 

Seth was one of the good ones. He was lost to us too soon, but he is now at rest among the mountains he loved. He will be missed dearly.