Obituary of David Royce Coates

It is with great sadness that the family of David "Dave" Royce Coates, 57, of Fort McMurray, AB., announce his peaceful passing at home surrounded by his devoted and loving family with faithful pet, Bella, on August 2, 2023. On his final day, Bella curled herself up with Dave and refused to leave his side no matter what.

Born in Sussex, NB. to David and Linda Coates, Dave had a love for all things mechanical from a very young age, leading him to become an Automotive Technician at NBCC Moncton. There wasn’t anything that Dave couldn’t fix or figure out. He worked in Petitcodiac, NB. For Corey’s Garage for several years after that, before making his move to Heavy Equipment with Burgess Transport.

In 2012, Dave and his family decided to make their move to Fort McMurray, AB. for new employment opportunities. He especially enjoyed his last 3 years working in his HVAC position for Aircon Technologies on the mining equipment in the Oilsands Industry. Life in Fort McMurray blessed Dave and his family with so many loving friends that became like family of their very own, more than anyone could ever hope for.

Dave enjoyed spending his weekends with his family and close friends at their camping trailer, rain or shine. He loved their bike runs and just relaxing by the campfire, so long as they were all together. Dave also loved to travel, and enjoyed the spontaneous road trip. With a heart as big as the ocean, his acts of service to anyone in need were simply immeasurable. He had an amazing sense of humor, he loved to laugh and enjoyed even the simplest of things in life; Family and friends count Dave to be one of their largest blessings. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all.

Dave is survived and deeply missed by his best friend and wife of 26 years, Cynthia Coates (Stevens) of Fort McMurray, AB.; his children: Sarah Black (Ian) of Gibbon Mountain, NB. and Jacob Coates of Fort McMurray, AB.; his mother, Linda Coates of Sussex, NB.; brother, Leonard Coates (Tanya) of Salisbury, NB.; sister, Nancy Ferguson (Kevin) of Apohaqui, NB. as well as several nieces and nephews. The icing on the cake, and Dave’s pride and joy, were his 3 grandchildren: Wyatt, Brooklyn and Maverick. Dave was predeceased by his father David Coates of Newtown, NB.

The family wishes to thank the palliative care and home care teams of the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre and Robert Anderson Funeral Services Inc. for their warmth, diligence, care and compassion for Dave.

A very special thank you to their life long friend, Kami Smith, who flew from New Brunswick to Alberta to be with Dave, Cynthia and their family; her love and support has been a true gift.

As per Dave’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service held. Cremation has already taken place. If desired, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society in Dave’s name, which would be appreciated by the family.