Gordon Bates was a Scout leader for over 60 years, most recently as a Vice President of Surrey Scouts. His roles extended from leading Scout Groups in Dorking in the 1960s to County Commissioner for Surrey between 1974 and 1984 and County Chairman from 1984 to 1997. He also chaired the UK Awards Board for the Scout Association. He passed away on 23rd October 2024.

His family have asked that donations be made to Surrey Scouts which will be used to support the continued development of Bentley Copse Activity Centre near Guildford, the hopme of Surrey Scouts.