Gary Coates

Shannon Coates Gary is born (Shannon) My guess is that he is about three months old here and is feeling uncomfortable! (Robin)

Shannon Coates Baby Gary I have never seen a picture in his mother's album where he was not smiling! (Robin)

Shannon Coates I loved he was left handed. Creative thinking is often a trait and for him it proved very true! (Robin)

Shannon Coates He attended Van Nuys High School, a district of Los Angeles and played football, baseball, was on the Track Team and was on the Student Council Board.(Robin)

Shannon Coates The year Van Nuys won the Championship! Gary played first base.

Shannon Coates High School Sweethearts! Jayne was a very talented singer and was a member of the High School Glee Club.

Shannon Coates He loved Fly fishing. I still have that vest!! Trips to North Carolina was a favorite vacation spot. Not sure where this photo was shot though. (Robin)

Shannon Coates Gary loved gardening and planted a vegetable garden at our first home. Also a Lemon Tree, Mango Tree, Avocado Tree, Grapefruit Tree and a Tree he told our children was a "Chocolate Pudding Tree"!! You could cut the fruit like pods open, and they did look like chocolate pudding, but anyone foolish enough to taste it would have been repulsed! (Robin)

Shannon Coates Robin hadn't met him yet, but believes this picture was taken in Colorado where his very good friend Page still lives.(Shannon) Yes, A number of people were trying to convince him to stay, one was definitely a female! (Robin) Page, please comment if you remember this!

Shannon Coates A picture of Gary and his grandmother, a very strict women who he had a lot of admiration for. He always thought it was cute she had to sit on a cushion at the dining room table because she was very small in height.(Robin)

Jim Tuff 1978, Christmas in Ancaster, a new pair of skates for Gary! Perhaps his most least used gift, hee hee.

Shannon Coates Gary and Robin get married The snow had started to fall earlier in the day, but everyone made it to the church on time! My brother Jim is pictured behind us. (Robin)

Jim Tuff What a beautiful couple!! I remember telling Gary that my big sister was a very lucky lady to have you!

Shannon Coates The look of triumph - he made it to the bottom in one piece! Well he convinced me he could ski when I told him I would love to go to Banff Springs for a Honeymoon! I grew up skiing!! He didn't let any challenge get the best of him ever!!!!(Robin)

Shannon Coates Proof of Gary actually skiing! Note the look of determination on his face! Yep! One day later, he had it mastered! (Robin)

Shannon Coates Skating anyone? Here Gary is practicing for the Olympic Figure Skating Championships. (this caption that I wrote under this picture years ago was meant to be funny, but once again, after never been on skates, he once again impressed me the next day of circling around that rink with no problems!!! Never ceased to amaze me! (Robin)

Shannon Coates Christopher is born Father's were allowed finally in delivery rooms when Chistopher was born. His doctor was a fisherman and when Christopher made his entrance, the doctor told Gary he was a "definite keeper"!!!

Shannon Coates Gary and baby Christopher Yes, Shannon, this picture was taken at my parents home. My mother adored babies and had a hard time seeing us leave. All of her grandchildren were so special.(Robin)

Shannon Coates Gary and Christopher He was a fussy baby, but Gary had a knack for calming him down somehow! He used to make jokes about the different crying styles that he interrupted meant different demands! He got me though many times of stress that only a new mother goes through! Gary also told me I was a wonderful cook, but I quickly realized that he would actually eat anything! (Robin)

Shannon Coates Gary and baby Christopher For a man who told me it didn't matter if our marriage produced children or not, this was a wonderful, additional side of a man whose heart had no boundaries. (Robin)

Shannon Coates Ahhh First one out of three to slip them the Nike. 😄🏃‍♀️🏃🏃🏻‍♂️ Yes, Shannon, Gary started running in Toronto. I think it was the "Big Brother's Race" He convinced me on a send date to run it with him. All I had was tennis shoes and couldn't wait to have a cigarette after the finish line!! Having a baby gave me a break from pursuing that sport!!! (Robin) ps. Quitting smoking was hard - Gary was one of those "Weekend" Bum a cigarette from someone else types, so quitting for him has never really quitting. Only friends relieved not to be sharing!!! (Robin)

Shannon Coates Gary, Robin and Christopher Well, my maternity leave was up and I was back to work. We were lucky to find really great child care with a wonderful women who lived a few doors down from us. Gary was not happy with daycare centers and for him that was not an option. The biggest surprise for me, was that the company I worked for had just hired him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(Robin)

Shannon Coates Gary's mother took this picture outside our home when she and Gary's stepfather visited us in Florida for the first time since our move from Toronto. Seeing their first grandson for the first time.(Robin)

Jim Tuff Deep Sea fishing was a wonderful adventure with Gary, he added excitement, importance and fun to the event!

robin Coates Catherine is born. He missed Catherine's birth by minutes because it took him too long to put on the scrubs necessary to enter the delivery room! Another fast birth, but the bond between them was instant . (Robin)

Jim Tuff The big one that did not get away! Great catch Gary, almost as tall as Chris

Shannon Coates Catherine trusted him explicitly and Gary's outlook on life to teach his children to be adventurous was a little on shaky ground for me, but they are all better from his encouragement then my caution. (Robin)

Shannon Coates Miami marathon He told me this was only the beginning of running Marathons and he was not kidding. He went on to competing in (with me running along being a good sport) the Disney Marathon numerous times, the Marine Corps Marathon, and the San Diego/Carlsbad Marathon twice and another few half marathons, before being inspired by Shannon to step it up to competing in triathlons. (Robin)

Shannon Coates Gary and Gary This was a year we went "Home" to Canada for the Holidays and both my brother and Gary made a Super Snowman!! While the rest of us had hot chocolate inside by the fireplace and watched them create this monster. It was just hilarious!!! (Robin)

Shannon Coates Gary started to step up his training, and had set goals for himself. There was some really stiff competition in his age category in the south Florida road racing scene, but as usual this was not a deterrent but a challenge to him. (Robin)

Shannon Coates Gary with my brother Larry and brother Gary after "performing" a Blues Brother routine at my brother Jim's Wedding! What a fabulous performance. Love how Gary was so loved by my family. Growing up as an only child of an only child, my large family was such a special joy for him. (Robin)

Shannon Coates OK kid, you can do this, just get out there, do the best you can and remember what what we practiced. (quote from Gary)

Shannon Coates My sister Kathy's Wedding! I was pregnant with Shannon but had just announced it. Catherine and Christopher were the Flower Girl and Ring Bearer respectively. It was a garden Wedding and a beautiful day. Gary really enjoyed being around my family and a trip back to Canada was always a special joy! (Robin)

Shannon Coates Celebrating Christmas in Canada!! Gary supervising a "Shoveling the snow" demonstration at my parents home was interesting to watch! A truly "White Christmas" was special to a California guy and his Florida son!(Robin)

Shannon Coates Shannon is born Two arms, two girls, no problem!! It was always amazing how he took everything in stride! (Robin)

Shannon Coates PMA Sales Group founded by Gary When he had finished his assignment to create "Boca Pointe", the Company wanted him back in Toronto. I had a sinking feeling we were staying in the United States when I witnessed his reaction to this directive, but he was better at being the director than being directed it turned out. (Robin)

Shannon Coates Shannon and Gary Gary always found a solution to anything I had concerns with. Shannon in a backpack while he went hiking was something he insisted on. Shared experiences with his children were his greatest joy. (Robin)

Shannon Coates Here we are in our home in florida with our children when life begins to become more interesting than chaotic. Gary had made the bold decision to start his own business six months before Shannon was born and PMA Sales Group, Inc. was in its early stages. (Robin)

Shannon Coates Gary and Gary My husband and my brother!! I love how each my brothers related to him in different ways. In this picture you see the joy of two guys truly enjoying each others company. Would have loved to know what they were laughing about. Both were very good at keeping their thoughts to themselves!!!!(Robin)

Shannon Coates First race for Shannon Memorial Day 1987(Shannon) This is a day that goes down in history. We had all participated in the 1 mile youth run (Catherine) and the 5K fun run (myself, Gary and Christopher) when Gary insisted Shannon at the age of just under 3 compete in the "little person's run" of a number of yards(I don't remember). He is seen here explaining what to do and where to go. The little boy that fell down during the middle of the race just ahead of her gave her the win. Not sure how she felt about it, but it was certainly an interesting day!!!(Robin)

Shannon Coates Gary was an avid cyclist (Shannon) Well around this time Gary did get involved with the sport of Cycling. Then he somehow discovered a company called "Back Roads Adventure". From then on, after years of vacationing in North Carolina and staying at a charming Inn - High Hamptons, his kind if vacation took on a different kind of dynamic. (Robin)

Shannon Coates Shannon's first trip to Disney - I believe we stayed at Disney's Dixie Landings Resort. Gary was always the one that made all the arrangements, reservations etc. I just packed the bags! (Robin)

Shannon Coates He was pretty much competing with his previous times, setting goals and achieving them one race at a time. This could have been at John Prince Park in Lake Worth. He ran this "Turkey Trot" every year, right up until the Pandemic affected all athletic events! He loved this course and convinced my brother Jim to run it one year with us when he visited us from Canada! (Jim hadn't run in years!) It was really hard to say "no way" to someone who didn't accept a negative and could be so convincing. (Robin)

Shannon Coates Gary and Robin loved going on cycling adventures together (Shannon) I know your comment is tongue in cheek Shannon! This is another shot of our Cape Breton "Adventure". Beautiful Country, learned more of my Scottish Heritage, but clearly Gary loved the thrill of cycling some very scary stretches of road. There were also some very skilled riders in the group and he seemed to be in competition with these cyclists as far as speed and ascent challenges. I ended up farther and farther behind. (very grateful for the "support" vehicles that helped me off the course). Basically, I was there for the wine and cheese breaks. Gary had another version of this trip! (Robin)

Shannon Coates A relaxing moment outside our home. The children were running around having fun outdoors. Gary had created an outdoor space, with a garden, sandlot, wooden play structure and had thrown a rope around a branch of a sturdy tree and attached a tire to it to make that old fashioned tire swing. (Robin)

Shannon Coates Using one of his many Specialized bikes being either his Mountain bike or his Road Bike. (Shannon) Can't recall this memory. Christopher must have been with him. Gary was constantly planning weekends of adventures - "The Road Not taken"( Robert Frost) seemed to me to be somehow part of his personality.(Robin)

Shannon Coates Gary featured in the Sun Sentinel. "What do a hot air balloon, a Shakespearean Festival and a 10k meter run have in common? Gary Coates, Vice President of marketing for Markborough Florida, Inc., at Boca Pointe, considers them life-style in the Northeast and a second in South Florida. "We know our market and we seek high visibility for Boca Pointe on a consistent basis. Advertising, public relations and stylish promotions such as a recent Shakespearean Festival, are utilized to meet this objective," Coates said. "We communicate a sense of place, social environment, exclusivity, prestige and, of course, a sense of belonging, thus our attention to such amenities as our country club," he continued. Coates was as concerned with design excitement in the villages within Boca Pointe as he was with the messages that tell the buyer about them. Boca Pointe, he continued, offers a complete department store style of inventory.

Shannon Coates Lori flew out from California to join us on one of our Trips to Disney in Orlando. It was great to see her again and we had a lot of fun. It was always impressive to me that Gary was able to maintain such a loving and consistent long distance relationship with his daughter after overcoming some challenging obstacles he experienced in her younger years, but those situations never deterred him. Truly not surprising. That was just how he lived. (Robin)

Shannon Coates From left to right: Norm Zoberman, Jerry Bollt and Gary toast the first year anniversary of Wellington PMA Realty, Inc. (Shannon) Gary had an instinctive sense and a vision for what people would be drawn to as far as quality of life in the sense of living environments were concerned. This Branch of his PMA Sales, Inc., brought together two incredible guys who put those goals together with his formation of PMA Wellington Realty, Inc. Great work Norm and Jerry!! (Robin)

Shannon Coates The Frank Stark annual bike ride. Gary engineered a bike seat contraption on the top tube of his bicycle for me to sit on while he rode. He also added little foot pads to the down tube for my feet. (Shannon) Over the years he consistently rode this "Fun Ride" to support the Heart Association.(Frank Stark had a heart Attack, and bicycling became his form of rehabilitation) The last time he rode it, Shannon was home from Oregon visiting and they both rode together for the 60 mile route to Manalapan, to South County Park in West Boca, then ended back at City Hall in Boca Raton for the dedication. This ride was the full circle of a shared experience that spanned 30 years for them! (Robin)

Shannon Coates Christmas in Florida. Gary always made sure he was wearing something red! (Robin)

Shannon Coates Gary performing an artistic work on my hair! (Shannon) Well, this was a picture I had to take. It was both unexpected and impressive. When I needed help with anything, nothing was impossible for Gary!!! (Robin)

Shannon Coates Mount Dora Bicycle Festival with Catherine. I think we attended this event twice. It was fun for all ages of bicyclists and I even endured the semi camping experience in the camper van we had at the time. Gary tried to make it as comfortable as possible for me because he loved participating in organized large outdoor events!!! And the children really did have a good time and they all have their memories! Obviously enough for them to be enthusiastic to go back and experience it again and collectively confront by pleas of dissension!!(Robin)

Shannon Coates Gary and Christopher finishing 3-mile race(Shannon) Gary believed in the importance of health and physical fitness and signed Christopher up for his first 5K race at 10 years of age. Not sure how he felt that day but he continued to join his Dad in many other community races going forward. I think he picked up on the spirit of competition as well as the satisfaction of achieving and accomplishing a goal.(Robin)

Shannon Coates Aftermath of the same race from previous picture. It was clear that Gary convinced a very reluctant Christopher to just join him that day. Interesting that years later he proved to be a high school standout and highly recognized competitive cross county and track athlete. Gary recognized how encouragement and confidence in someone can alter their own perception of themselves. He was that kind of father. (Robin)

Shannon Coates Gary and I hosted a Holiday get together for his PMA staff at our home. We had a pianist play for us over the course of the evening and it was great have our guests request music they loved. It just made the night so much more fun but relaxing and I felt everyone enjoyed each other's company.(Robin)

Shannon Coates Mount Dora Bicycle Festival Gary had all of us participate in this weekend Annual Festival which we all enjoyed I think this was the second time we went. There was a guy known as Chris Cakes, who served all participants in the morning with his amazing pancakes, sometimes flipping them in the air and landing them on outstretched plates held by the riders!! It was pretty funny and we all remembered this trip!

Shannon Coates I believe this was our trip back to Canada to spend Thanksgiving with family. My parents hosted our fairly large (by that time)family at a quaint Inn near to their Lake Home they had retired to. Gary loved it there and I believe his plans to build a retirement home in North Carolina was inspired by them to have that same kind of environment to relax and enjoy that they had created on the Bay of Quinte in Prince Edward County in Ontario.(Robin)

Shannon Coates Gary leading a business meeting in Singapore (Shannon) Gary attended a Conference overseas with a group of Businessmen to share their knowledge and expertise with counterparts in Asia. He was an invited speaker at this event and it was a trip he gained a lot of insight from. (Robin)

Shannon Coates Gary, Lori and granddaughter Amber Amber was such a sweet addition and Gary's first Granddaughter. Lori was great at sending us updated pictures and not withstanding the usual mother and daughter clashes over the years, Amber is now the mother of a beautiful little boy, who is Gary's great grandson!(Robin)

Shannon Coates This was such a random shot and I just wanted to capture a moment that was a respite from the baseball practices, piano lessons, ballet classes and swim instructions. (Robin)

Shannon Coates A Charity Black Tie Affair It was always special to attend events that contributed to the many organizations that need help in under financed programs. A tuxedo was not Gary's favorite attire, but he always wanted to do what he could to support the programs he was passionate about.(Robin)

Shannon Coates Christopher's memorable road trip with Gary and their stop at the Outer Banks along the way. Their ultimate destination was Picton, Ontario, where my parents lived.(Robin)

Shannon Coates Robin and Gary trip to England First trip alone without our children in a very long time. We were lucky to have flown on the Concorde which was retired 8 years later.

Shannon Coates Gary and Christopher participated in a the Disney Tour "D" Bike Challenge, which started in Tampa Bay and finished at the Magic Kingdom!

Christopher Coates Dad used to take everybody camping, but sometimes we did Man stuff. On one such occasion we trekked from Florida to Toronto (with a brief 5 day stop in North Carolina to backpack some of the Appalachian Trail). Mom, Catherine and Shannon flew up ! About 4 hours into the trip I noticed that dad had to give it more gas that usual, something was going on. I said "Hey Dad, its running kinda rough!". So we pulled over. Dad pops the hood and noticed that the A/C compressor belt had locked up .. so he cut it off and we continued the rest of the trip without air. Gary Coates was the kind of man who never gives up, works to better himself and without doubt aimed to create a great future for all of his children.

Shannon Coates A favorite summer family vacation spot - the High Hamptons in North Carolina. This was at the top of one of the many hiking paths we took. The lodge there will forever be summer memories for all of us. It was also close to Camp Merrie Wood where both Catherine and Shannon experienced that "wonderful" sleep away camp scene - Shannon not so much!! (Robin)

Shannon Coates Gary visiting his good friend Page and Candace in Colorado Page not pictured so clearly the one taking this shot!

Shannon Coates Gary's mother married again to a wonderful man. They were both in their early 80's. Lori and Amber already lived in California, but Catherine and Shannon flew out with Gary to be part of the Wedding Celebration.

Shannon Coates Gary and Christopher in Costa Rica on a Bicycle Trip around the volcano.

Shannon Coates Gary escorted his mother down the Isle at her Wedding to John Williamson.

Shannon Coates Pope John Paul Gala

Shannon Coates Waterfall hike, where we stopped to see numerous falls in North Carolina.

Shannon Coates Attending a Charity Event for the Children's Cardiac foundation. That night we brought home a little Maltese, Gary had made the top bid on!

Shannon Coates A day of sightseeing during one of our stays at the High Hampton Lodge in Cashiers, North Carolina.

Shannon Coates This was such a beautiful course, and completely surrounded the Lake.

Shannon Coates North Carolina hiking

Shannon Coates Gary photobombing at Catherine's cross country race

Shannon Coates Pope John Paul High School Fund Raiser with Christopher. The Senior class was asked to attend and volunteer with the many details that go into planning these events.

Shannon Coates Christopher and Catherine's Pope John Paul cross country race. Catherine placed first and Christopher placed second in the County Meet. Both were named MVP's for the team.

Shannon Coates Gary and Robin about to enjoy a day on the Intercoastal. The main idea for purchasing the boat was for fishing and scuba diving. Christopher and Gary both got their Padi Diving Certification together.

Shannon Coates Thank you Lynne Jenkins, my best friend from Canada visiting with her husband Robert, for taking this family shot of us all together. So hard to find pictures of Gary as he was always the one taking the pictures!!

Shannon Coates Another shot of the Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia Bike Tour. There were about 12 of us in the group, here pictured with us was a wife of a couple we befriended. The 50 - 80 km/day for the 5 day trip for me was exhausting, but Gary was in his element!!

Shannon Coates Lovingly included Robin in the itinerary of all his well planned, amazingly located adventure vacations...which she loved; of course. ( Thanks Shannon, but not exactly) Gary booked a "FreeWheeling Adventures"( Travel Agency that specializes in Cycling Vacations) where we flew into Halifax, joined another group of cyclists, and then proceeded to start a six day trip bicycling around beautiful but challenging Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. My father had graduated from Dalhousie University in Halifax in Engineering and I wanted to visit that campus while we had the chance. Gary always made anything I was passionate about happen. And In his lifetime, he never let me down!!!!

Shannon Coates Gary and good friend and running buddy, Mike Reed at Foot Locker race

Shannon Coates Gary wearing his favorite "Buzzer Bait" t-shirt from the Roy Benson Running Camp at UNCA, Asheville. All three of our children attending this camp throughout their high school running years.

Shannon Coates Gary in Nova Scotia

Shannon Coates Gary with Shannon at her Spanish River high school track meet

Shannon Coates Gary always recording his children's races (Shannon) This is proof why we have so few pictures of Gary!! He was always the one taking pictures! "Could have, should have, would have!" (Robin)

Shannon Coates Cari (Gary's cousin) and her mother Marylou at his mother's wedding to John Williamson.

Shannon Coates Gary at Shannon's cross country race. Well, I tried to take a "natural" shot without them noticing, but just another reason I was not behind the lens very often. Shannon, you must have had a sixth sense I was behind you!! (Robin)

Shannon Coates Gary had a chance to see Lori in Los Angeles when we were in San Diego running the Carlsbad Marathon.(Robin)

Shannon Coates Gary and Catherine after her college cross country race. He loved she chose to attend North Carolina to run for and that day was amazing!! (Robin)

Shannon Coates The annual Frank Stark bike ride Gary would always take part in. Proceeds went to the Heart Association. Shannon joined him this year, home for summer break from college. Gary has yellow jersey towards the back end, Shannon is in red jersey in the third formation. Cyclists change position so cyclist in front gets a break from setting the pace. (Robin)

Shannon Coates This was a "timer" type shot, that didn't turn out perfectly, but it was what is was!! (Robin) Actually, Shannon there was a better picture, not sure why you chose this one!!! (Robin)

Shannon Coates Gary flew to San Diego to visit his mother not long before she passed away. She is pictured here with her good friend Millie, who shared an apartment with her for the last few years of her life. Favorite moment was watching Lawrence Welk and drinking beer apparently!!!

Shannon Coates Gary and Robin move to Delray Beach (Shannon) We decided to take the "Lady Atlantic" tour, so we knew what to point out to visiting family when we took them out boating when we kept to the Intercoastal (hope that is not considered Plagiarism!) I had my notebook in hand. I seemed to get the job as his Executive Assistant even before I ended up being that!!(Robin)

Shannon Coates Always keeping it sporty (Shannon) Gary kept a log of his training times - he was always striving to increase his mile pace. Competitive even with himself!! Do not remember who gifted him with this T-Shirt, but they definitely knew him well! (Robin)

Shannon Coates Gary with Shannon on her FSU graduation

Shannon Coates

Shannon Coates Gary and Robins favorite breakfast spot - The Green Owl diner on Atlantic Avenue. (Shannon) Yes, it was close enough so we could ride our bikes there even before Parking Meters on the Avenue were non-existent! We ran into friends Barbra and Gary Peckham there once, but I think this shot was taken by my friend Lynne Jenkins and she and her husband visiting from Toronto. Gary insisted they ride bikes over as well (yes our garage was well stocked) and Lynne had a "run-in" with some bushes on the way! I don't believe she had ridden a bike since she was a child!!! Gary felt horrible!!

Catherine Coates Gary giving Catherine encouragement for night before Miami Tri. Gary supported Catherine "trying" her "first Triathlon" - but weather next morning at start had unseasonably and unexpectedly dipped to almost freezing temperatures. Gary tried to keep me calm but when we saw an ambulance arrive, she was in it. After that "Polar Bear" like swim, her body started to turn blue halfway through the bike portion. Thank goodness Gary was there and could take over after paramedics were able to regulate her body temperature, retrieve her bike and belongings, take care of the paperwork and get her safely back home. I was a wreck!

Shannon Coates Gary and Shannon at Ironman Florida 2012 for a practice swim (Shannon) I loved that Gary joined Shannon the day before her race and swam a distance with her. It is not possible in many other competitions. He was able to "experience" the practice swim again though when she competed in Kona.

Shannon Coates A good guess as to what he is up to, up there!

Shannon Coates Columbia River Gorge half marathon Gary and I ran as a "relay" team for this event. The scenery was unbelievable. I insisted he take the last half distance because he loved FINISH Lines so much, even though the first half was all uphill.(Robin)

Shannon Coates Gary at Cannon Beach in Oregon After driving to Mount Hood, visiting Timberline Lodge (where his favorite author Stephen King's movie version of The Shining was filmed), hiking the trail at Multnomah Falls, running the Sauvie Island 5K, we ended our visit to Shannon with a stay at an Inn on Cannon Beach. What a beautiful State. I certainly know why Gary considers it his favorite place in the U.S., besides his ancestral background.(Robin)

Joshua Stout Columbia River Gorge Half Marathon Our favorite competitive relay team in this race!! Shannon and her husband Josh. (actually I think they both ran the full distance!!)(Robin)

Shannon Coates Josh asked Gary to come to Sarasota for the First Watch half marathon to surprise Shannon on the start line before he proposed. (Shannon) What a morning that was!! Shannon did not expect the proposal nor seeing Gary appear after Josh got down on one knee! Josh had asked Gary's permission to marry Shannon the week previously. Sandi and Jeff (Josh's mother and stepfather) were also there to cheer them on. Shannon placed first overall female (that's what adrenaline mixed with happiness will do!)(Robin)

Shannon Coates Gary in Sarasota We had some time in Sarasota the weekend of the proposal to get to know the area and Gary loved the Crosley Estate for both the Wedding Ceremony and Reception venue. Josh's family and friends were all in the area, and with my family and friends out of country, this was the perfect choice to accommodate the most people. (Robin)

Shannon Coates Father and daughter first dance When our DJ started to play Nat King Cole's "Unforgettable", that was Gary's cue. It started the dancing portion of the night and they owned the dance floor together. That was unforgettable........(Robin)

Shannon Coates Father of the bride. Shannon & Joshua's wedding. Gary at the bottom of a very steep and winding outside staircase for Shannon to come down and take his arm. The walk to the outdoor Gazebo (overlooking the Bay), with a trio of violinists playing "All I ask of You" from Phantom of the Opera, was just beautiful. Gary was so proud and I was so proud of him as Parkinson's disease had just started giving him challenges. Timing could not have been better. Months later Weddings became impossible due to the Pandemic.(Robin)

Catherine Coates New Years Eve with Dad at Carrabbas restaurant . (Catherine) Yes! Fun night out - cocktails at the Bar, no wait for a table and nice be finally out at a place we were sure would not be crowded after long Covid isolation. Of course getting there early was also a smart move!!! (Robin)

Shannon Coates Gary loved playing crazy 8's with Robin. As his movement became more and more restricted due to Parkinson's, it brought him great joy to indulge in simple pleasures such as games and conversation with his loved ones. (Shannon) Unfortunately this particular picture you chose Shannon was a "slam dunk" for me. Just played that two, he has a full hand of cards, and with my 8 he simply had no chance. But this was the exception not the rule, that is why I could not resist taking this picture!!! His cards skills were great up until last month. He was reminding me when we met in Toronto, that there was a club we used to go to and played backgammon. The tables were all set up with backgammon boards - I think it became popular in the 70's. He was so good at that game!!!! The Club played jazz music and Gary introduced me to Drambuie at the end of the first evening we were there! (Robin)

robin Coates A date Gary asked me out on early in our relationship, proved to be an eye opener! It had started to snow that day, and Gary was supposed to pick me up from my office at closing time. By the time everyone had left at 5:00pm and the custodian was turning off the lights, it was obvious that the snow was going to be a problem for anyone on the street. The last of the office executives even tried to convince me to leave while I still could, but for some reason I waited. By 8:30pm I had started to panic, but then the phone at the reception desk rang out loudly in the emptiness of the office (there were no cell phones in 1978!). When I picked up the receiver, a strange burly man's voice asked to speak to 'Robin'. I was very scared at that point, but this man went on to tell me he was a truck driver who had picked up a CB message from a 'Gary Coates' who had asked him to please relay a message to me that I was not to worry. He was on his way, and was so sorry to be late! When I looked out the window of the third floor office suite, I saw a snow plow slowly making its way down the street and then saw Gary's little sports car following behind it! He knew I would be worried, but he promised me that night I could always trust him, and he would never let me down. And to the end of his life, he never did. His word was his promise. I loved him, and I feel so fortunate that the 'bold and arrogant American', I had prejudged him to be after being introduced to him at a business event proved to be exactly the opposite! He was truly an incredible person, and I will miss him terribly.

robin Coates Shannon, it was always obvious you inherited your father's personality trait of never giving up! Thank you for searching through all our old albums, trying to find pictures of Gary. I know it was surprisingly difficult. He was always the photographer! Love you!! (Robin)

Catherine Coates "Always be the Bigger Person, Catherine" Those are the words that my father said to me at a very young age. As challenging as it is at times, I feel that they are words I have tried to live by. Dad, I miss you and I Love you.

Shannon Coates Gary's ashes will be lovingly scattered at the top of Mt. Hood, Oregon, as per his wishes. He loved this area and Shannon and Josh will honor this request.