Walter Melville Coates
Peacefully on Tuesday, November 27, 2007 at the Carman Memorial Hospital, Walter Melville Coates passed away at the age of 81. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Gladys, his children Bill (Corrine), Bob (Caroline), Beth (Ray) Faux, by his grandchildren; Mark, Jaymeson, and Amy Coates; Eric and Devin Coates; and Jacquie, Curtis, and Cody Faux; Gladys’ children; Janice Howie, and her children Ian and Cam; Jeff (Anya) Howie, and their children Jennifer, Kristin, James, William and Jeffrey Charles. Also left to mourn his passing are his sisters Luella, and Olive (Jim) of Winnipeg, MB, and Shirley (Wes) of Leduc, Alberta. Walter is also survived by his former wife Elsie Coates and numerous nieces and nephews.
Walter was born and raised on the family farm south of Graysville. He left school at an early age to help on the farm. He remained on the farm until health reasons forced him to retire. Farming was his life and the only time he worked off the farm was one fall in the early 1950’s to help out with harvest in Alberta.
Occasional leisure time found he and his family at Stephenfield Lake enjoying camping, water skiing, and visiting with family, friends and neighbors. As he grew older his interests expanded to include fishing, golfing, curling, and wintering in Texas. As well his interests also extended to include international travel and vacations.
Walter, along with two other community members were instrumental in the establishment of the Carman A.A. group in 1971. Through this group he made many lasting friendships while helping himself and others.
His most recent passion brought him back to farming as he spent his leisure time restoring and rebuilding many older model tractors.
A memorial service will be held at the Carman United Church on Monday, December 3, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Catherine Waldie officiating. Interment will take place at the Greenwood Cemetery, Carman.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Carman and Area Foundation, Box 160, Carman, MB, R0G 0J0.
God grant me the serenity to
Accept the things I cannot change;
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.
Doyle’s Funeral Home, in care of arrangements.
