Raymond "Ray" William Coates

With great sadness, the family of Raymond “Ray” William Coates of Cold Lake, Alberta regretfully announces the passing of their beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at the age of 83 years.

Ray is lovingly survived by his cherished wife of 59 years: Adele Coates (née Lorenz); daughter: Michelle (Terry) Kaminski; son: Monte Coates; granddaughters: Megan Lanceleve (Justin), Sarah Rancier (Randy); great grandchildren: Beau Lanceleve, Sawyer Rancier; siblings: Audrey (Ross) Jamieson, Laverne (Marta) Coates, Claire (Carol) Coates, Guy (Amber) Coates, Lorraine Coates, Denise (Marlin) Pezderic: Ray will also be mourned by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Ray was predeceased by his parents: Earl & Ethelen Coates; brothers: Mervin Coates, Lloyd Coates; sisters-in-laws: Jeanette Coates, Josephine Coates; and many other in-laws.

Ray was a dedicated educator for 34 years, predominately at Grand Centre High School, where he served as a teacher and vice principal from 1972-1997.  He served on numerous boards, charities, and organizations over the years and was also the Mayor of Grand Centre/Cold Lake from 1983-1998.

Ray enjoyed being outdoors, spending countless hours fishing, camping, gardening and working in the yard.  He also loved participating in sports including baseball, hockey, golfing, curling, horseshoes, pool, etc.  He and his wife Adele travelled extensively after retirement with many friends and relatives.  Above all else, Ray was a devoted family man, and nothing made him happier than spending time with his children, grandchildren, and extended family. 

Funeral Service, Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., at the Assumption Roman Catholic Church, Cold Lake, Alberta with Father Limneo Zamora officiating. Final Resting Place, Assumption Roman Catholic Cemetery, Cold Lake, Alberta.  Please be seated by 10:45 a.m. for the eulogy.

Memorial tributes in memory of Ray may be sent to the Cross Cancer Institute c/o Alberta Health Foundation, 710, 10123-99 Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3H1, www.albertacancer.ca/donate

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