Blaze King is sad to announce the passing of a dear friend, Charles “Garth” Bates on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015. Garth and his brother Syd purchased Valley Comfort Systems in 1988 and, in March of 1998, purchased the U.S. operation of Blaze King Industries from company founder Hal Larson. Syd and Garth sold the company in 2004 and retired from the hearth industry.

Garth was highly respected by dealers, distributors and employees alike, and was known for his candid, honest and respectful way of doing business.  Garth is survived by his wife Penny, daughters Rhodena and Charlotte, and son Mark.

We send our prayers to the entire Bates family including his 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

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