Disney’s Senior VP of Government Relations Richard Bates Passes Away

Disney’s Senior VP of Government Relations Richard Bates Passes Away

Disney’s Senior VP of Government Relations Richard Bates Passes Away. Richard Bates was 70-years old when he passed suddenly and unexpectedly this week. The news of Richard’s passing was shared by Disney Chairman, Bob Iger, who wrote “I am heartbroken by the sudden loss of longtime colleague & dear friend Richard Bates—a widely respected executive, who was also extraordinarily kind, charming & irresistibly witty. His loss is profound & our prayers are with his wife Rose & sons Ricky & Chris.

Iger also shared a joint statement about Bates’ passing with Disney CEO Bob Chapek sharing, “All of us at Disney are heartbroken by the sudden loss of our longtime colleague and dear friend Richard Bates. As head of our Government Relations team in Washington, D.C., Richard was second to none in his field —- widely respected for his incredible achievements and beloved for his extraordinary kindness, compassion, and irresistible wit. He was passionate about his work and approached it with the same astuteness and unwavering enthusiasm he demonstrated when he first joined Disney three decades ago. For those of us lucky enough to have known Richard personally, his loss is profound. He will be deeply missed, and our prayers and heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Rose, their sons Ricky and Chris, and his entire family.


Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, and co-workers of Richard Bates. ?

Featured Photo Credit: Zimbio

Source: Bob Iger Twitter

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Kaitlyn is a writer, painter, and artist based just north of Baltimore, Maryland. She is a previous participant in the Disney College Program and has years of experience with Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts and with Universal Orlando Resort. Her and her big 'Ohana are frequent visitors to the parks and resorts and she is always up for another trip to visit her favorite castles! Kaitlyn is the News & Entertainment Writer for Chip and Company and is passionate about writing and storytelling.
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