Obituary of Cameron Dwight Coates

COATES: Cameron Dwight "Cam", June 23, 1943 to August 27, 2019, passed away peacefully at the Brandon Regional Health Centre I.C.U., after suffering a heart attack while riding his bike. Cam was born to Ed and Nora Coates in Winnipeg, Manitoba. At an early age he moved to Boissevain, Manitoba with his parents and older sister, Velma. He completed all his schooling, graduating from grade 12 in 1962. Cam moved to Calgary, Alberta that fall to attend the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, taking Legal Land Survey. He graduated June 23, 1964 and started his first full time job July 1, 1964 in Winnipeg. Cam worked for Andrew Taylor Surveys and Neuman Surveys before being transferred to Thompson, Manitoba in January 1969. In 1971, he was hired by the City of Thompson and worked there until 1978, when he was hired by B & K Surveys of Dauphin and returned to Brandon, where he retired in June 2008. Cam was thankful and proud to have worked 44 years, never without a job. He worked jobs all across Manitoba, many in the north doing contracts with Hydro, MTS, mining claims, Crown lands, private subdivisions and city planning. He found his work interesting and challenging and always enjoyed people he worked with and for. Cam had a wide range of interests. He played hockey, curled, golfed, played pool and cycled. He loved music, books and read the Globe and Mail daily most of his working years and during his retirement. Cam was a member of Thompson Golf and Curling Clubs, U.C.T. Brandon, Manitoba Cycling Association and volunteered for many major events. He also served on committees at Central United Church. Cam married Veronica (Vonnie) Hammond on August 29, 1964 in Brandon, and they welcomed their son Chad on July 29, 1971, born in Thompson. Left to cherish Cam's memory is wife Vonnie, son Chad (Sarah Raine) of Whistler, B.C., one sister Audrey (Bill) Joyce, sisters-in-law Gail Coates, Jean (Tom) Hean, Lorna (Jim) McLenehan, six nephews, five nieces and their families. Cam was predeceased by his parents Ed and Nora Coates, sister Velma Siemens, brother Fred Coates, mother and father-in-law Chub and Jessie Hammond and brother–in-law Jack Hammond. Cam spent his life enjoying events, holidays with family, his work, his reading and sports. He had a good life, and was a good man. He loved and was loved. Cam was kind and gentle to everyone he met, whether family, friends or work. He will be missed but memories will go on forever. A Celebration of Cam's Life was held on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at Central United Church