Michael Guy Coates

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’s life will be held at a later date in Calgary.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Myositis Canada (myositis.ca).

Condolences may be sent to the family through: www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Arrangements in care of First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299.