With deep sadness we would like to announce the sudden passing of Bob Coates at Vancouver General Hospital on March 4, 2014.
Bob was a lifelong resident of Salmon Arm. He spent most of his working life doing road construction and paving, which took him around B.C. and Alberta.
Bob had a zest for life and loved travelling, snowmobiling, quadding, and hanging out on the lake camping and boating, especially when he could get together with his longtime friends, Sean and Connie, Ed, and Phil.
He had a soft spot for children, and his nieces and nephews always enjoyed receiving wacky gifts from “Uncle Bob”. Because of his allergies, Bob had what most would describe as different pets, such as his iguana, African Gray Parrot and 200 gallon fish tank with a host of exotic fish. He also had a real love of flowers, planting many different kinds in the flower beds at his home, even though he rarely got to enjoy the blossoms because he was working away.
Bob was an avid snowmobiler and belonged to several snowmobile associations. He took part in snowmobiling competitions, including a recent Poker Ride. He also used to set track on Fly Hills.
Bob was predeceased by his dad, Norman, in 2006. He is survived by his mom, Johanna, and four sisters and their families. They are Alice and Gary Hucul and their children Kyle (Michelle) and Kelsey (Erik); Jullie Matthews and Ric and her children Myriah, Tristan and Cody; Linda Coates and her children Lydia and Gabe; and Trina and Jason Forslund and their children Xander and Austin.
He supported many causes, especially the Sea Shepherd Society, Veterans Affairs, the Vancouver Children’s Hospital and Shriners. Bob was also a strong supporter of the organ donor program and his family and friends know that although they have suffered a heartbreaking loss, his last act was to help many others.
His family would like to thank the paramedics, doctors, surgeons and nurses in Salmon Arm, Kamloops and Vancouver hospitals for the excellent care Bob received.
A celebration of life will be held in Bob’s honour at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Salmon Arm at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 15.
Online condolences may be sent through Bob’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com