Joseph Raymond Bates 91 of Newfane, Vermont died on December 13, 2022.
Ray as everyone knew him, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland January 17, 1931. He completed a five year Apprenticeship program at the R.L. Christie Clockmaking Company in Scotland in 1952. This training took place concurrently with studies at The University Of Edinburgh in Mechanical Engineering. These pursuits culminated with a graduation as a Craft Member of the British Horological Institution of London, England. In 1952 Ray achieved Master Status upon building a clock of his own completely from scratch. Subsequently he served two years in the British Royal Air Force as an Instrument Specialist, and Photo Analyst. In 1957, Ray immigrated to the United States, where he became a resident of Keene, NH. He worked during the day as a Watchmaker at Simons Jewelry on Main Street. He enrolled in the Teaching/English program at Keene State College, and went to classes during the night. In 1961 Ray graduated from Keene State College with a Bachelor’s Degree/Teaching Degree. He moved to Waltham, MA, where he taught English in the Waltham School District. During this time he also started his business repairing clocks. While living in Waltham he met , and soon married Beverly Graham. In 1964 Ray moved his family and business to Newfane, Vermont. It was here that he established an Apprenticeship Program with the state of Vermont in 1966, and over the years successfully trained 6 Apprentices. On April 12, 2010 in London, England Ray was inducted into The Worshipful Company Of Clockmakers, a guild dating back to the early 1600’s.
Ray in addition to being a Master Clockmaker was also a highly skilled photographer who established in the 1960’s a company called Precision Industrial Photography. In his capacity at this company he was hired by National Geographic, and other professional publications.
He was a self taught gourmet chef, who relished the opportunity to serve his many friends and family delicious meals.
He loved , his family, his Corgis, his cars, his music, and traveling through Europe with Beverly.
Richard Bates continues to operate The British Clockmaker, Inc from its new Location in Keene, NH
