Obituaries

COATES, Michael Guy

Michael Guy Nance Coates, age 75, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at the Central Okanagan Hospice House in Kelowna.

He was born on September 11, 1941 in Hastings, England to Bernard and Sylvia (Vile) Coates. Michael was raised by his grandmother Mary Coates before leaving home at age 16 to study at Yeovil Technical College. He immigrated to Canada in 1968 and on December 18, 1971 he married Eleanor Marlene Davis. He primarily worked as a quality assurance inspector, a job that eventually took him and his family to Saudi Arabia before returning to Calgary. He had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed motorcycles, scuba diving, building a race car in his garage, running a small business, publishing two volumes of his memoirs, and being a passionate ambassador for Myositis Canada.

He is survived by his wife Marlene; children Tracey (Mike Tring) Grinter daughter of Maureen Wyatt, Aaron (Cheryl Hutton) Coates son of Marlene; grandchildren Alex, Harry, Kingsley, Vivien; half-brother Richard; step-sister Margaret and step-brother Martin; and close cousin Noreen Evans.

Family and friends are invited to an informal gathering to share stories and remembrances at First Memorial Funeral Services, 1211 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, BC on Friday, Mar. 24 at 2:00pm for tea, coffee, and dessert.

A gathering to celebrate Michael

Link: www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Condolence Messages

Apr 25, 2017
Dear Dad,

I am so sad to lose you, it feels like you have gone much too soon. I am comforted by my happy memories of being with you, the times we spent together and being proud of you and all that you achieved in your life and that you were my dad. I will always miss you.

Tracey
Apr 02, 2017
Mike, I will miss you so much especially our weekly chats on Skype. We had such great holidays over the years with you, Marlene and Aaron and so many special memories. Memories also of growing up together on the farms in Devon.My thoughts are with Marlene and family in Canada and England.

Cousin Noreen xx
Mar 31, 2017
Mike was such a lovely man. I have fond memories of Mike and the family visiting us in the UK and also spending time with him when me and my Nan visited and stayed with him and Marlene in Kelowna. Thoughts with the family. Will have a drink for Mike to celebrate his life. RIP

Dan xx
Mar 27, 2017
Marlene and family, my heart just broke when I heard the news today. I truly enjoyed the conversations I had with Mike when over for tea.

All my love.

Helen Day
Mar 24, 2017
So sorry for your loss Marlene and family. My prayers go out to you and your family at this time. I loved working with Mike all these years and know that he is in a better place now. I loved his stories and his zest for life. He will be sorely missed

Lorna M
Mar 24, 2017
We are so sad that we lost our good friend Mike but we are happy that his spirit is flying free, unfettered by the ravages of myosistis.

You are in our thoughts, Marlene.
Mar 24, 2017
I am so sorry to hear this news. I have been thinking of you all lately and praying for a peaceful and painless departure for Mike. He was certainly a great man and it was such a pleasure to know him for so many years.

My thoughts and prayers are with you Marlene, Aaron and the rest of the family.

Karin xoxo
Mar 23, 2017
I am so very sad for your family and you Marlene. So sorry I can't attend the tea on Friday. My condolences at this difficult time. Chris Bischoff
Mar 23, 2017
So sorry to hear this Marlene. Our condolences to you and your family. Mike was a special person and so strong throughout his years with myosotis.

Rest in Peace Mike.

Suzanne and Richard Rysak and family
Mar 23, 2017
Will be thinking of you all tomorrow while you celebrate our dear Mike. Such a special Father-in-Law, Grandad, Father, and Husband. Much love to you all.

xoxo Cheryl, Kingsley, and Vivien