Robert Coates

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Robert (Bob)James Coates of Coaldale Alberta.

Bob was born in Northwood, North Dakoda, September 3, 1961 and passed away on November 30th, 2022 in Lethbridge Alberta at the age of 61.

Bob and his family moved to Canada in 1968 to the Moose Jaw area where Bob grew up.  After high school, Bob returned to his U.S. roots and joined the U.S. Navy in 1981, where he trained as a Boiler Technician.  He travelled the world on the USS Sacramento and after 4 years of service and many crazy stories he was given an Honorable Discharge and a Diploma as a Boiler Technician & Fireman in 1985.

Returning to Canada, Bob started working for the Bank of Canada in Regina and met the love of his life Claudine. Bob and Claudine married in March, 1991. Bob’s career continued with the federal government of Canada taking him and family to Calgary, Winnipeg and finally to Coaldale serving in a variety of interesting positions. His final post bringing him and family to Coaldale Alberta, while he worked as the head of Maintenance at the Coutts /Sweet Grass border crossing where he managed both the Canadian and U.S. side as he had his dual Citizenship and eventually over saw many other border crossing buildings along the 49th Parallel.  Bob retired in September 2021.

Bob enjoyed spending time in the outdoors with his family camping, fishing, and quadding in the mountains. He also loved vehicles and more importantly working on them while he watched his favorite NFL Seahawks on his TV in his awesome “Man Cave” garage.  Rest assured many other sporting events would always be on the other TV and cold beer in the fridge for anyone popping in to spend some time with Bob.

Bob is survived and will be greatly missed by his loving wife Claudine, his daughter Mackenzie (Brent Ginther) his Sons Luke, and Nolan and 4 grandchildren.  His Mother and Father, Bev and Wayne Coates, his Sister Jodi Coates, Sister Krista Coates and, mother-in-law Liz Kaminski and brother in law Lionel Kaminski, also many nieces and nephews.

Celebrations of life will be announced at a later date. 

In Lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to The Canadian Cancer Society.

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