Obituary of Steven Ross Coates

It is with much sadness that the family of Steve Coates of Rothesay, N.B. announces his passing on August 5th, 2024, at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Steve was the son of Joan Coates (née Lenney) of Staten Island, NY, and the late Ross Coates of Nappan, N.S.

Steve was predeceased by the love of his life, Joanne Coates (née Allain), and leaves behind his cherished sons, David (Camille) of Quispamsis and Michael (Stephanie) of Dieppe. He was a loving grandfather to Louis, Maisie, and Lily. Steve is also survived by; his sister Linda Coates-Markle of Washington State, sister-in-law Alice Allain (Bill Morton) of Fredericton, brother in-law Eric Allain (Denise) of Moncton, nieces Sylvie Morton (Jeff Mott) of Fredericton and Christine Allain (Maxime Bourgeois) of Memramcook, nephews Bradley Markle of Boulder, Colorado and Marc Allain (Charline) of Moncton.

Born in Saint John, NB, on July 16th, 1954, Steve spent his early years in Saint John and Halifax before attending junior and senior high school in Rothesay. He began his career with the family business, Coates Distributors Ltd, a wholesale distributor of residential building materials. Steve’s adventurous spirit led him on a memorable sabbatical in 1977, where he traveled across North America, Australia, and New Zealand on his Kawasaki 750. Returning to Coates Distributors Ltd, Steve dedicated himself to growing the family business into a successful company and truly enjoyed the many friendships made during his working career with colleagues, suppliers, and customers. After over 40 years in business, the company was sold upon his well-deserved retirement in 2012.

Steve had a passion for classic cars and motorcycles, enjoyed traveling, and was always up to date on geopolitics. He loved engaging in fix-up projects and found joy in outdoor activities like hiking, tennis, skiing, kayaking, and sailing. Above all, Steve cherished the time spent with Joanne, his sons, and his extended family, who meant the world to him. He showed genuine interest and respect in everyone he met. We will deeply miss Steve’s kind heart, easygoing nature, and witty sense of humour.

Our family is profoundly grateful to the Oncology and Extra-Mural teams as well as Dr. Christian Mackin for their compassionate care. We would also like to thank our family and friends for their continuous support and kindness.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Steve’s life at his funeral service, which will be held at the Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis, N.B. (506-849-2119) on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 2:30 PM. The service will be followed by a reception from 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM.

For those who wish; a memorial donation can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Bobby’s Hospice of Saint John, or a charity of your choice.