In Memory of
Gerald Ashley
Coates
Coates
1924 - 2017
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Blair's Funeral Home Ltd.
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Obituary for Gerald Ashley Coates
Gerald Ashley Coates was born April 19, 1924 on the farm near Birsay, SK to parents William Ernest Coates and Maude Harriet (nee Knapp). Gerald received his entire education including Grade 12 in Birsay, SK.
For a few years after completing his schooling, Gerald lived with his sister and brother-in-law, Hazel and Bill, helping them farm as Bill was not healthy. In the winter of 1947, he worked at a lumber camp in Prince George where he earned $0.80 per hour. He then went on to become a journeyman mechanic at Delayen's Garage in Saskatoon, always travelling home to Birsay on weekends to help with the farm.
Gerald married Donna Mae Wright on July 27, 1957 in Saskatoon, SK. To this union four children were born: Janice, Kevin, Bradley and Sherilyn. In 1963, Gerald and his family moved to Hudson Bay where Jerry was employed as a mechanic at MacMillan Bloedel. He also did what he really loved, which was raising cattle. In 1974, Gerald and Donna made the decision to become full-time farmers, so he left MacMillan and moved the family to Smoky Ridge along the Red Deer River, where they made their home until they retired into Hudson Bay. Jerry loved the farm life and all that went with it, especially the farm animals and the exposure to nature.
Gerald gave back to his community in many ways. He coached hockey in both Saskatoon and Hudson Bay, was a secretary for the SK Wheat Pool and the Hudson Bay branch of SK Wildlife, and was a long-term member of FMAC.
Gerald had a wide array of interests that he explored deeply. He was an extremely avid reader with a book in his hand until the week he passed away. He fed birds, and identified trees, birds, and wildlife. He also loved hockey and ball, both coaching and watching. He was passionate about family and enjoyed visiting with people in general.
Gerald was predeceased by his parents; siblings: Hazel, Elva and Ken; brothers-in-law: Lyle, Bill and Charlie; granddaughter Nyssa; and nieces/nephew: Laura, Ellen and Gerald. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Donna; children: Janice (Brent) Dyck, Kevin Coates, Bradley Coates and Sherilyn (Ricky) Anderson; grandchildren: Taylor (Katy), Abby (Justin), Torrie (Raylene), Ashley (Evan), Samantha (Andy), Alex and Aleece (Brett); great-grandchildren: Kaiden, Levi, Wren, Ruby, Lily and Averi; as well as other extended family members and friends.
For a few years after completing his schooling, Gerald lived with his sister and brother-in-law, Hazel and Bill, helping them farm as Bill was not healthy. In the winter of 1947, he worked at a lumber camp in Prince George where he earned $0.80 per hour. He then went on to become a journeyman mechanic at Delayen's Garage in Saskatoon, always travelling home to Birsay on weekends to help with the farm.
Gerald married Donna Mae Wright on July 27, 1957 in Saskatoon, SK. To this union four children were born: Janice, Kevin, Bradley and Sherilyn. In 1963, Gerald and his family moved to Hudson Bay where Jerry was employed as a mechanic at MacMillan Bloedel. He also did what he really loved, which was raising cattle. In 1974, Gerald and Donna made the decision to become full-time farmers, so he left MacMillan and moved the family to Smoky Ridge along the Red Deer River, where they made their home until they retired into Hudson Bay. Jerry loved the farm life and all that went with it, especially the farm animals and the exposure to nature.
Gerald gave back to his community in many ways. He coached hockey in both Saskatoon and Hudson Bay, was a secretary for the SK Wheat Pool and the Hudson Bay branch of SK Wildlife, and was a long-term member of FMAC.
Gerald had a wide array of interests that he explored deeply. He was an extremely avid reader with a book in his hand until the week he passed away. He fed birds, and identified trees, birds, and wildlife. He also loved hockey and ball, both coaching and watching. He was passionate about family and enjoyed visiting with people in general.
Gerald was predeceased by his parents; siblings: Hazel, Elva and Ken; brothers-in-law: Lyle, Bill and Charlie; granddaughter Nyssa; and nieces/nephew: Laura, Ellen and Gerald. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Donna; children: Janice (Brent) Dyck, Kevin Coates, Bradley Coates and Sherilyn (Ricky) Anderson; grandchildren: Taylor (Katy), Abby (Justin), Torrie (Raylene), Ashley (Evan), Samantha (Andy), Alex and Aleece (Brett); great-grandchildren: Kaiden, Levi, Wren, Ruby, Lily and Averi; as well as other extended family members and friends.
