Ralph Marshall Bates was born in 1902. He was educated at Plymouth College and qualified with the Conjoint Diploma at the London Hospital, where he held several resident appointments. He was a first assistant to Sir Hugh Cairns, the neurosurgeon, and was also a member of the Middle Temple. He spent a short period in general practice and became interested in psychiatry. He was then appointed medical superintendent at the Stoke Park Colony, Bristol, and in 1946 he became medical superintendent at the Royal Eastern Counties Hospital, Colchester. He modernised and upgraded the hospital, developed the training school for nurses, opened new hostels, provided better amenities for staff and patients and encouraged parole and licence. The management committee and staff fully recognised his judgement in organisation and administration and the hospital which he had developed to such high standards was visited by many psychiatrists from overseas. Marshall Bates married Lilian, a doctor, and they had a son and two daughters. He was essentially a family man with deep religious feelings, devoted to duty and a staunch friend for those in adversity. He had a full and busy professional life but found time and relaxation in painting in oils and in gardening where he specialised in orchids and daffodils. His large and beautiful garden delighted many people who enjoyed his warm hospitality. He died at his home in Colchester on 28 August 1978.