Currently Kevin Bates and his family are living in one of the oldest homes in Corbett. His great grandparents homesteaded here from Kansas with the Bell family, who are relatives and live next door! They each built a home and actually chose where they would build by the toss of a coin! Kevin has many wonderful memories of living in Corbett his entire childhood. He picked berries for Elmer Larsen on Stevens Road from age 8-13 and said Elmer would pick up all the kids each morning and was kind yet stern. One time a rambunctious boy got a bucket full of squished berries put right on the top of his head by Elmer! Kevin played basketball and ran track and cross country as a youth, going on to Mt. Hood Community College to continue his running. After running competitively for 2 years at Mt. Hood, Kevin transferred to Portland State University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in Fine Art. This was a change from his original intent of an engineering degree. After failing a flight physical due to a hearing loss, he followed a different passion. While attending school, Kevin was a "stripper" for a printing company, stripping negatives for the printing press! Another job was working at "The Cheerful Tortoise." It was here that Kevin met Ginger, his wife since 1991. Together they have two sons, Austin 19 and Dallas 16. Kevin has helped coach both his son's basketball and baseball teams and loves being a part of the community and raising his family in the Bate's family home. On the front of the home is a post with his father's hand print as a 4 month old and in the barn are markings from family member's from the 1930's! When not busy with family, work and church activities, Kevin loves to perform as a magician. Since age 8 , Kevin has been practicing and performing for parties and events. Favorite act? "Coins Across."
