Ken Coates
February 14th, 2024
Ken Coates passed away peacefully at home on February 14, 2024, in Mission, British Columbia. He was born in Vancouver, British Columbia at St. Paul’s hospital to Myron “Bud” Coates and Ruby Coates. He married Isabelle Maureen on July 27, 1968, in Chase, British Columbia and they had two children Bruce and Dallas.
Ken served for three years total in the Queens Own Rifles, including his important contributions as a member of the United Nations Peacekeepers in Cyprus during the peacekeeping mission beginning in 1964. He served in that arena for six months. After his military service, he worked in corrections in maximum through minimum security penitentiaries in the Mission, British Columbia area until his retirement in 2002 after thirty years. He was also a member of the Canadian Legion #45.
He was a passionate gardener, winning awards for his beautiful dahlias, lilies, and lawns. He was an avid reader who loved to read Westerns, Crime novels, and Military history – among others. Ken had a great sense of humor and was well known as a bit of a trickster, pulling pranks, and making jokes with family and friends alike.
Ken is survived by his wife Maureen, siblings Dave (and Carole), Gary (and Sandra), Judy (and Bert), Holly (and Pete); his sons Bruce and Dallas (and Ramona Elke); his grandchildren Dylan (and Haley) Anderson, Kendra Anderson, and Dante Coates; and his great-grandchildren Brynlee and Leland Anderson.
He was preceded in death by his father Myron “Bud” Coates, Mother Ruby, and brother Kevin.
A celebration of life will be happening in the summer.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a local SPCA.
Maureen...we were so saddened to learn of Ken's passing. Although we had lost touch over the years he was a great childhood and teenage friend with many fond memories of playing baseball, fishing and camping. I always remember when Ken came home after being in Cyprus and he was proudly wearing his army uniform. We ran into both of you in Barkerville quite a few years ago and again at the eye doctor in Abbotsford. At that time we planned to get together but unfortunately it didn't happen. We didn't find out until October and although it is a little late to be offering condolences to you and your family we'd like you to know our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Keith & Pat Lanphear