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Edward COATES Obituary
June 23, 1948 – February 17, 2014
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the Coates family shares news of the untimely passing of Edward W. Coates: loving husband, father and grandfather, and a loyal friend who gave his unwavering support to so many in the automotive industry in B.C. and across Canada. Ed passed away peacefully with his family at his side on February 17, 2014 at Ridge Meadows Hospital at the age of 65, after a short, courageous battle with cancer. Ed was born on June 23, 1948, in New Westminster, BC, the second son of five children born to Shirley and Edward (Harry) Coates. He is survived by his mother, Shirley; his loving wife of 42 years, Marlyn; their four children: Samantha, Sarah (Garett), Ian (Erin), and Candace (Brian); their seven precious grandchildren: Natalie, Brooklyn, Dylan, Sydney, Joshua, Delaney and Harper; brother Dave (Carol), sister Leslie (John), sister Evelyn (Don), brother Doug (Lornie) and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. His many friends and colleagues will fondly remember Ed as a brilliant and innovative business leader. Raised in Fort Langley, BC, Ed was a born entrepreneur. His brother Dave gave him a start in the automotive parts business, and from there he went on to realize his life's ambition – to build his own automotive parts business. In August 1974, he and his business partner opened the doors of a modest 900 square foot auto parts store in Haney, BC, Lordco Auto Parts. From these humble beginnings, Ed would guide the company through difficult economic times, and over the next 40 years, firmly establish his iconic status in the automotive industry. Today, Lordco is the largest privately held automotive parts distributor in Canada, with 1,750 employees and 97 locations throughout BC. Ed was a man whose work ethic and fortitude were unsurpassed, his passion unbridled and his loyalty to family and friends boundless. Ed Coates was truly a man who took life by the horns taking advantage of every opportunity life had to offer. Although Ed has left us far too soon, we are comforted with the knowledge that he has touched innumerable lives along his journey, and he will live in our memories forever. A public celebration of Ed's life will be held on March 8, 2014 at 2 p.m. at the Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel (999 Canada Place, Vancouver). All are welcome. The Coates family will establish a legacy fund in Ed's memory in the months ahead, the details of which will be announced in due course.
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66 Entries
Larry and pat O,Doherty
October 30, 2014
Thoughts and prayers to the family
Ryan Massen
April 10, 2014
Deepest sympathies to Marlyn and and all family. Ed you will be remembered!
Greg and Marcy Granholm
March 20, 2014
Marlyn and Family, Ed was an amazing person. He was a man with vision and a passion for business. He changed the Auto Parts industry. Ed will be missed by anyone who knew him. Our heart and prayers go out to the entire Coates Family
March 9, 2014
Thoughts and prayers to the entire family and remembering good memories .
Lordco branch 98 now open just inside heavens gate , and Ed,s behind the counter again
Best regards and with huge respect
Darcy GIberson
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Robert Akehurst
March 8, 2014
Best wishes to Marlyn and all the family. The Lord works in mysterious ways and we must accept his choices. But I am still in shock. Ed Coates you will missed but your legacy will live on. Thank you from the Budget stores in Burnaby.
David Heye
March 8, 2014
A very good man, gone way too soon. My deepest sympathy.
Chuck and Elaine Kennedy
March 7, 2014
To Marlyn and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate Ed's life tomorrow. It was a honour and a privilege to know and do business with Ed.
Ian Mackenzie
March 5, 2014
Most heartfelt thoughts and prayers with you all. Ed was a tremendous leader with a huge heart. His interest in people and staff gave people confidence - his infectious enthusiasm for business and life will be long remembered.
Raymond Auto and Ag Parts Ltd.
March 3, 2014
?Our deepest sympathies Marlyn and family. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. Ed was a wonderful person to do business with. He will be missed.
Glen and Marcella Elmgren
Jerry Caedo (Keystone Automotive)
March 3, 2014
Our deepest sympathies to Marlyn & the entire Coates family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you a this difficult time.
Jane ZHAO
March 2, 2014
you are my successful example and you'll be in my heart forever!
February 28, 2014
Dear Marlyn and family. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.
Bill and Darlene Hutchinson
Cloverdale Grip Auto & Tire Jim & Sandy Dickson
February 28, 2014
Our sympathies go out to Marlyn and the Coates family. We cherish all the trips we went on with Ed and Marlyn. He will be deeply missed.
Carolyn Ness
February 27, 2014
Dear Marlyn, our heartfelt condolences to you and to all your family and loves ones who are going through this very sad and difficult time. I pray you find peace and solace in the wonderful memories that Ed has left you. Love, Carolyn & David Ness
Scott Demay (Valvoline)
February 27, 2014
You will always be in our hearts and prayers.
Casey & Delores Wnuk
February 27, 2014
Our sincerest sympathy is extended to the entire Coates family on the passing of a very dear man. Ed had a tremendous vision and passion for business but more importantly had great family values. Ed will be dearly missed by all.
I at Dayco have a long association with Ed and his company and he leaves behind a Legacy that will never be forgotten.
Sincere Condolences, Casey & Delores Wnuk
Lloyd Reynard
February 27, 2014
To the entire Coates clan, especially Marylin & Doug my deepest condolences, though we were competitors in business we were more importantly friends in life. Always the gentleman, he will not be forgotten.
RIP my friend
Jim Carpenter
February 27, 2014
My deepest condolences to Ed's family. You must be proud of Ed and his legacy of accomplishments will be with us forever. In his short life he created what would take most of us a thousand years. In 1974 when Ed was the counter guy and had one employee I was a teen in the same town. He gave me advice about the undersize bearings I was buying for my flathead six. Four decades later, with the help of Lordco parts that same flathead six is going strong and we regularly send Lordco parts to customers around the world. Jim Carpenter Collectors Auto Supply.com
Boris Cristales
February 27, 2014
I was deeply saddened by the news of Ed's passing; my heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. May god bless and guide your family in this difficult time.
Bill Martin
February 26, 2014
My sympathies go out to Marlyn, and to all of the Coates family. I knew Ed not only as my employer, but as a friend. He treated me well whenever I saw him. I will miss his warm and sparkling smile, and his wonderful personality. It was a pleasure working for Ed for the past 12 years.
Catfish Potesta
February 26, 2014
Ed is the man that helped shape the Automotive Industry in Western Canada to what it is today. Where LORDCO became known and competed amongst the Big Corporate Chain Stores, but was still PROUDLY, BC Owned and Operated. My condolences go out to the Coates Family.
Gerry Madore
February 26, 2014
Ed will be so greatly missed by so many. Our two companies had built a working relationship and friendship that this loss has effected all of us that have ever had the privilege of dealing Ed. With the most sincere of blessings to your entire family and staff at each store are included in this because you all are one great family Canopy West and Range Rider Truck Caps offer our deepest sympathies to you. Thanks Ed you will truly be missed
Van Woodell
February 26, 2014
Ed will be missed by all of his friends and business associated all over North America. I have deep respect for him and the work he did so successfully. I got to know Ed through AAM. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time, I am so sorry for your loss.
Jolene & Russ Senyk
February 26, 2014
Ed was an amazing man. We have a combined 20+ years working for him and are proud to be part of the Lordco team. He will be greatly missed! Our thoughts and love go out to Marlyn and the rest of the family.
colleen jackson
February 25, 2014
Thank you for all of the wonderful memories, you will be dearly missed. My deepest sympathy to marlyn and the rest of the family.
Lana Prokopuik
February 25, 2014
Our heartfelt sympathy to the entire Coates family, and all the staff at Lordco. You are in our thoughts during this very difficult time.
Sarah Cox
February 25, 2014
Ed has always been an inspiration to me, his kindness, great business sense and work ethic are just a few things I could mention. My heart goes out to his whole family at this sad time.
Lana Prokopuik
February 25, 2014
I'am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with your entire family during these difficult times.
Neil & Lesie Simpson
February 25, 2014
Our thoughts are with everyone. Ed's family, his employees and business associates. He was such a huge influence on everyone he met. We met him a few times over the fifteen years we've been a Lordco customer. He always treated us with such respect.
Neil & Leslie Simpson, Simpson Auto.
Greg Hugh
February 25, 2014
Again just want to say how heartbroken
and sorry I am.I thank god for the great times,talks and tunes I got to
share with Ed.I was always made to feel a part of the family and will
always feel that.I will always treasure
the many years of memories.
Rock on Ed.
and thank you Ed and Marlyn
Love and prayers from
my family to yours
Greg Hugh
Lordco Cruise, Egypt Pyramids
Tom and Marilyn Oldfield
February 25, 2014
Tom and I will remember Ed for many wonderful New Year's parties and summer days at the Lake.
As well, as with so many others, for affording us the opportunity to see the world in style through his Lordco cruises.
He is unique and will be missed.
Our hearts and prayers go out to Marlyn and family.
Lordco Cruise Egypt
Tom & Marilyn Oldfield
February 25, 2014
Mark Johnstone
February 25, 2014
Once you had met Ed, he seemed to always remember your name. An indication of his interest in, and enthusiasm for, his company and those who worked for him. We feel for you the family.
Trish Lagadinos
February 24, 2014
My heart goes out to you all. I am sorry to hear about your loss. R.I.P. Ed !
Diana Waldron
February 24, 2014
Ed was a man that I respected & admired so much. I knew him in the early days of Lordco Parts, and for many years after. We at Consolidated Parts were suppliers to Lordco, and it was a pleasure to see him grow his Company. My sincere sympathy to the family & staff.
Robert Thorsteinson
February 24, 2014
Ed was an amazing father, husband and business leader. He was a mentor to myself and many in Business community across Canada. His leadership, finger print, and business innovations in The Auto Parts industry is undeniable. He was truly the best in the business. He was a great leader and amazing client to have. He always spoke the truth and lead by example. For 16 years he directed us with integrity and honesty . To me those were his main , and best traits. That is rare to see today. He loved his family, and loved running Lordco. i will miss him a tremendous amount. i am among so many that were fortunate to call him a business client, but more so, a friend. My most heartfelt sympathies and prayers go out to Marlyn and the entire family. The measure of a man is what positive things he leaves on this earth as his legacy. And Ed Coates was truly a great man. This sad news has sent shock waves Across Canada and North America. And so many people are still deeply shocked and saddened by this news. I know i am.
Partel Towing
February 24, 2014
Our deepest condolences to the Coates family Ed will truly be missed RIP
February 24, 2014
Marlyn and family, my heart goes out to all of you. he will be missed so much it is hard to put it into words. Ed was a wonderful boss, mentor and friend
Debbie Severn
Andre Fabri
February 24, 2014
Dear Marlyn: My sincere condolences to you and your family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Ed was a amazing man who will be sorely missed by all of us. With deepest sympathy,
Andre
Shannon McKenna
February 24, 2014
Heartfelt condolences from my family to yours, Marlyn. Ed will be greatly missed by friends and staff alike, and leaves behind a legacy that I'm sure we will all work hard to uphold in his honor. He oftentimes seemed invincible & larger than life, mainly because he lived life to the fullest. We can all learn from that! Love to you all.
Raymond Proulx
February 24, 2014
Our deepest condolences to the Coates family Ed was a very special person and will be sadly missed.
Our prayers will be with you.
God Bless
Ray & Colleen Proulx
Brian Hosenfeld
February 24, 2014
Thank you Mr. Coates for your business, intelligence, kindness and humor. I immensely enjoyed our conversations and wish there were an endless number of them coming. Your legacy will live on in the lives that you touched and the mentorship you provided.
Christine (Harder) Nicholson
February 24, 2014
Marlyn and the entire Coates family I am sorry for your loss. Ed was an amazing man and an amazing boss. He went above and beyond in all aspects of life. I had 13 years with Lordco and I will never forget you all. My thoughts are with you in this dark time. Love and light.
Syl/Rob Bath
February 24, 2014
Our deepest condolences to all the Coates family. Ed will be missed in the automotive world. Thank you for all the good times on all the various trips throughout the years. Always a first class guy.
Mary Joy Morgan
February 24, 2014
Very sad to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you Marlyn and your family. Ed was a great man, full of life, and I know he will be extremely missed by many.
Bob Greenwood
February 24, 2014
My sincere condolences to Marlyn and the entire Coates Family. I had a great discussion with Ed the evening of November 18th at the AIA event at Horseshoe Valley, Barrie Ontario. Little did we know it was our last. He will be missed very much as a voice and leader to our industry.
Lindsay Hanik
February 24, 2014
Say not in grief 'he is no more' but live in thankfulness that he was' My sincere condolences go out to Marlyn and the whole Coates family. He will be greatly missed by those who were lucky enough to meet and to work for him.
Chris Browne
February 23, 2014
Sincere condolences to Marlyn and the whole Coates family at this sad time. Ed will never be forgotten.
Chris Browne
February 23, 2014
To Marlyn and the whole family,
I hope the love and caring of all your friends can help to ease your pain at this sad time. Ed will be missed by so many, myself among them.
Barb Grant
February 23, 2014
My sincere condolences to Marlyn and family on the loss of your husband/father. Ed will truly be missed and I would like to thank you all for allowing me to be a part of your business.
Nick & Elisabeth Veeken
February 23, 2014
Our business was a customer of Lordco. My husband and I met Ed a few times at the Trade Show and on the trip to Europe. His company was the first to treat us well in the supplier/customer relationship. He made us feel good to do business with him. He was our kind of man; a fun, rock and roll loving traveler. We will miss him. May his family find peace in the legacy he leaves behind.
Robert Rose
February 23, 2014
Ed was always a man of his word,convictions and loyalty We have lost a true giant in our industry My sincerest condolences to the Coates family Robert "bobbie" Rose (fenco)
Mark DeRoos
February 23, 2014
Via loyal Lordco employees and family members, I have often been amazed at Ed's prowess in the trade as well as, and maybe more importantly, his love of life and his employees. I have never heard of anyone who would devote so much of their time to be at every Xmas party for his staff and families, and enjoy the benefits of the Lordco relationship. He was truly an inspiring individual that I regret never had the opportunity to meet...
Tremblay Motors "the Tremblay Family"
February 23, 2014
The World has lost a Great Guy.....Our family is lucky enough to have known Ed for Many years......He will be remembered in our hearts forever.
Norma & Walter Jaeb
February 23, 2014
Dear Marlyn and family....Our family are very sorry to hear of your great loss of Ed. He has left a great legacy, and many employees who hold him in high esteem. My sympathy to your family who have lost one so dear, and far too soon. Sending our love and prayers for your comfort and our thoughts are with you all.
Jerry Stevens
February 23, 2014
Ed will be missed but never forgotten.
Harold Winberg
February 23, 2014
Sincerest condolences from Barb and I to the entire Coates family on Ed's untimely passing. He will be missed but always remembered.
Dominic Monaco
February 23, 2014
Sincere Condolences to the Coates Family. Though a sad loss, he exudes a great & positive legacy.
Joely Hill
February 23, 2014
My sincere condolences to the Marlyn and family. I know it will be tough. But remember that he will always be with you in your hearts.
Sharon Doiron
February 23, 2014
Very sad news. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Bob and Sharon Doiron
Nicole Tortora
February 23, 2014
Ed was a amazing man that I have been honored to work for over the last 15 years my heart and prayers go out to the whole Coates family in this hard time.Ed will be missed so much and will live in our hearts forever
Alexandra Beattie
February 23, 2014
My condolences to Marlyn & the Coates family. Ed was an amazing man and I am thankful I got a chance to work for him years back. I have always cherished my days at Lordco and often reflect on how many memories I have and how much I learnt while working there. I have always been grateful for the opportunity and am proud to have worked for Ed and your family. Dedicated to his business and his family he will forever be remembered as an inspiration to us all. Sincerely Alexandra Beattie
Debbie Ashford
February 22, 2014
My Thoughts and Prayers are with you- Ed was a man who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. l was blessed to work for such a kind and gentle soul.
February 22, 2014
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Danny Evans
February 22, 2014
A time to reflect on a truly remarkable man who centered his life on his family .Humble but great . All the Best , to the Coates family at this unsettling time. Danny Evans and family
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