Ron Bates
Ron Bates – AKA the Whale Guru
Saying goodbye to a legend!
We are remembering a very special member of the 5 Star family who sadly passed away on December 14, 2021 
Ron Bates – aka ‘The Whale Guru’ had been heading out on tours with Five Star for many years. He mentored many of our Marine Naturalists and had a profound effect on the lives of all who had the good fortune to meet him. In 1987 the Marine Mammal Research Group (MMRG) was founded by Robin Baird, Tamarra Guenther and Ron Bates. MMRG was set up to research the local marine life and create a Marine Naturalist Training Course. Ron was always ready to give anyone advice and assistance. Until he retired a few years ago, Ron was also the coordinator of the Sightings network for the Pacific Whale Watching Association (PWWA) and would also pass on important sightings information to local researchers. Ron’s piercing blue eyes, cheeky laughter and white beard are something none of us will ever forget. The world lost a little bit of magic on Dec 14th but gained another shining star looking down on us 
R.I.P Ron , you may be gone now but you will never be forgotten by any of us fortunate to call you a friend 
Ron Bates – aka ‘The Whale Guru’ had been heading out on tours with Five Star for many years. He mentored many of our Marine Naturalists and had a profound effect on the lives of all who had the good fortune to meet him. In 1987 the Marine Mammal Research Group (MMRG) was founded by Robin Baird, Tamarra Guenther and Ron Bates. MMRG was set up to research the local marine life and create a Marine Naturalist Training Course. Ron was always ready to give anyone advice and assistance. Until he retired a few years ago, Ron was also the coordinator of the Sightings network for the Pacific Whale Watching Association (PWWA) and would also pass on important sightings information to local researchers. Ron’s piercing blue eyes, cheeky laughter and white beard are something none of us will ever forget. The world lost a little bit of magic on Dec 14th but gained another shining star looking down on us R.I.P Ron , you may be gone now but you will never be forgotten by any of us fortunate to call you a friend 12 OCTOBER, 1938 – 14 DECEMBER, 2021