September 14, 1925 – February 14, 2012
It is with saddened hearts we announce the passing of Allen Arthur Coates. Al is lovingly remembered and cherished by his wife of 53 years, Ellen; his son Allen (Karen); his daughter Aleda (Steve); brother Doug; nieces and nephews, and many wonderful friends.
Al was second-generation, Victoria BC born. His great grandfather arrived in Canada with the British Army in the 1812 war; thus, making Al a third generation Canadian. Al served his country in the Korean War onboard the HMCS Cayuga. He later met a Norwegian girl named Ellen Sjerdal in 1957 and lived his entire life in Victoria raising his family. After the war, he was employed with Capital Iron where he worked until his retirement. Al also served as President of the Sons of Norway from 2000-2002.
A celebration of Al’s life will be held at the Sons of Norway House, 1110 Hillside Avenue, on Saturday, February 25, 2012 from 2-4 p.m. including a Last Post ceremony. The family wishes to express extreme gratitude to the staff of The Lodge at Broadmead and also the support of Lynn Bowker and Barbara Duncan. In lieu of flowers, kindly donate to Broadmead Care Society.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
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Cathy, Kai and Svenya
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Pinky & Bonnie Mar Dear Ellen, Allen, Karen, Aleda & Steve,
We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
We will always remember Al. He was always smiling and ever so kind and helpful. Working with Al at Capital Iron was always lots of fun. Not a day went by that we didn’t have a good laugh together. We have lots of fond memories of Al.
With our sincerest and deepest condolences in your sad loss.
Pinky & Bonnie
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Bill and Laura Lum with daughter Emily Mrs. Coates, Allen, Karen, Aleda and Steve,
Please accept our heartfelt sympathies on the passing of Mr. Coates,
a wonderful husband and father.
It was great to have had the opportunity to have known him.
I’ll never forget the “trip of a lifetime” when younger Allen was given
permission on the use of the motorhome to allow his teenage friends to travel down to Southern California with a small car in tow. There
were wonderful christmas gatherings at the warm Coates home with plenty of cheer.
You are ALL in our thoughts–Coates FamilyBill, Laura and Emily Lum
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Diane & Geoff Smith Dear Ellen & Family
We are deeply saddened in Allen’s passing and offer our sincere sympathy to you. May all the happy memories and close network of family & friends help to comfort & assist you in your grieving process.
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Brian and Kay Sessions Dear Ellen;
Needless to say,we were so sorry to hear of Dear Al’s passing.
Please accept our sincere sympathy.
Kay and Brian Sessions
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Brian and Kay Sessions Please accept our sincere sympathy in the loss of Dear Al.
May it help in some small way,to let you know we care.
Sincereley,
Kay and Brian Sessions
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Jan and Mila Andreassen We are very sorry for your loss. We have so many happy memories of Al.
Our thoughts are with you and your family.Jan and Mila
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Ros Andreassen Ellen my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Remembering our bowling days, Also the help and kindness while Leigh and Karen were Lodge Queen at the Son’s on Norway. Take care my friend, Ros (also Leigh and Karen)
Ellen, Allen, Karen, Elida, and Steve,
We are very sorry for your loss, and wish you strength at this difficult time. We hope happy memories provide comfort.
Our thoughts are with you,
Cathy, Kai and Svenya Lamertz