Obituary of Randolph Blakeley Bates

Randolph Blakeley Bates, 68, of Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2026, following hours filled with peace, laughter, and the love of his family. He fought a courageous battle with cancer, facing each challenge with the strength, determination, and humor that were unmistakably Randy.

Randy was born on May 12, 1958, in Chester, Pennsylvania, to the late William H. Bates and Anne Blakeley Bates. He attended Kimberton Waldorf School and earned a degree in Criminal Justice from York College in 1980. On August 25, 1979, he married his college sweetheart, Anne Marie Dolar, beginning a partnership that would span 47 years and become the foundation of their family and many shared endeavors.

Randy was a lifelong entrepreneur and devoted himself to maintaining the family farm entrusted to him. He founded The Defender System, an alarm company that continues today, and pursued numerous business ventures throughout his life.

Together, Randy and Anne own Arasapha Farm and started The Bates Motel and Haunted Hayride in 1991, which grew from the one-tractor, one hay wagon into a beloved family business and an important part of the Edgmont Township community. He helped found the International Association of Haunted Attractions in 1997 and America Haunts in 2003, later helping bring the organizations together. His leadership in the industry also included extensive work in safety, including serving as Task Force Chairman for ASTM International Haunted Attraction Safety Operations standard, adopted in 2020. He was a certified Haunted Attraction Inspector and taught the Pennsylvania's inspector course.

Randy's dedication to his community was just as strong. He served more than 25 years with the Edgmont Township Fire Company, 12 years on the Edgmont Township Planning Commission, and later as an elected Township Supervisor. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Delaware County Conservation District and helped found the Edgmont Township Business and Professional Association.

But above all his accomplishments, Randy's greatest pride was his family.

Known affectionately as Rando, Randy, Mr. Bates, and Grandpop, he was a storyteller, jokester, entrepreneur, farmer, community leader, and, most importantly, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Anne Marie Bates; children, Angela Majewski (Michael), Drew Bates (Maggie), Kathryn Minacci (Trevor), Veronica Brown (Matt), Benjamin Bates (Nicole), and Diana Knight (Chris); and grandchildren, Charlie, Max, and Claire Majewski; Brooke, Jenna, Brad, and Derek Bates; Taylor Minacci; Becky, Dylan, Aubrey, and Luke Brown; Blake, Bentley, and Nicolette Bates; and Savannah, Delaney, Macklin, and Jaydin Knight.

He is also survived by his sisters, Marie Boisvert (Peter- deceased) and Martha Striedeick (Tony), a niece, Sarah Reed (Evan) and a nephew, James Reed.

Randy leaves behind much more than the businesses he built or the organizations he served. He leaves behind a farm, a community, countless friendships, a lifetime of stories, and a family who will carry his many legacies forward.

He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved.

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026, from 5:00–9:00 p.m. at Minshall Shropshire-Bleyler Funeral Home, Middletown (Rte. #352) & Knowlton Rds., Middletown Twp., Media, PA 19063.

A service will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Arasapha Farm, 1835 Middletown Road, Glen Mills, PA 19342, with a celebration of life to follow. Those attending the service are asked to arrive at the farm by 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Breakthrough T1D Team Name Jackson and DJ’s Diabuddies http://www2.breakthrought1d.org/goto/Jacksonanddj or the American Lung Association, www.lung.org  in Randy's memory.