ROBERT CLIFFORD COATES

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ROBERT CLIFFORD COATES It is with profound sadness that our family announces the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Robert Clifford Coates on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at the age of 86, with his family by his side. Clifford was predeceased by his parents, Frederick and Christine Coates; his brother Dick and wife Irene; his sister Lillian and spouse Leo Lachance; his sister-in-law Dorothy and his brother-in-law Dennis Golling. Remaining to cherish his memory is his wife of 55 years, Annette. Also mourning are his sons, Dean (Shareen), Terry (Nancy), Bentley (Michelle) and his adored grandchild, Natasha. He also leaves his brothers, Howard, Harold (Nancy), and his sisters Evelyn (Ronald Maddison), Shelegh (Michael Melnychuk). Clifford was born in Morris, Manitoba on June 15, 1924. Promptly upon graduation from Grade XII, Clifford enrolled in the Canadian Merchant Marine. He served firstly under British command then served under Canadian and finally American command. Clifford returned to Morris when the war ended where he and his Dad ran Coates' Heating. Clifford married Annette and they resided in Morris where two of their sons were born. In 1958, they relocated to Winnipeg. Their third son was born in 1962. Clifford began working for Winnipeg School Division #1 in the Maintenance Department in 1963 and remained there until retirement. Sports were always of great interest to Clifford. He played, studied and coached sports whenever time permitted. He served as Sports Representative for Champlain Community Club for years. Clifford's greatest joys were his family and his home. He worked tirelessly to make their abode a happy, comfortable place for family and friends. With a great deal of help from his family, a summer home was built in Sandy Hook, Manitoba, which was appropriately called The Challenge . His family extends thanks and deepest appreciation to the nursing and support staff at Taché Centre for their great care and compassion. A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 17 at 1:00 p.m. in St. Bernadette Parish, 820 Cottonwood Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Clifford's memory to Taché Centre. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald St. 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 14, 2010