Mormon community in the UAE loses ‘a rare individual’

Robert Bateman, popular leader of the local Mormon community, passed away suddenly on Sunday. Victor Besa for The National

SHARJAH // Dr Robert Bateman, the country’s highest-ranking official in the Mormon church, died on Sunday after collapsing during a morning workout. He was 57.

Bateman, an American, had served as president of the Abu Dhabi Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since 2012.

“It was very, very unexpected,” said Sandra Singer, director of public affairs for the stake – the name of an ecclesiastical district in the Mormon church.

The cause of death was heart failure. Bateman was a keen cyclist who had participated in many endurance bike races.

Bateman had also helped to establish the Abu Dhabi Stake Centre in Mussaffah. The UAE is home to six wards and about 1,500 to 2,000 Mormons.

Keith Merkley, acting leader of the stake, said Bateman was “a man of tireless energy and dedication to God. We will miss his humour, his smile, his energy, his love of the people, his love of God, his love of family”.

Bateman worked as associate professor of management at the American University of Sharjah since 2005. Prof Kevin Mitchell, interim provost at AUS, said Dr Bateman was “a rare individual who will leave behind a legacy that will serve as an example to those who aspire to selflessly serve the greater good”.

Bateman is survived by his wife, six children and 11 grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 5pm on Thursday at the Abu Dhabi Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.