Obituary of Irvine D. Coates

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Irvine D. Coates, which occurred on May 5, 2019 at the Saint John Regional Hospital after a short illness.  He was born on Oct. 6, 1935 in Knightville, NB and was the son of the late Irvine (Sr.) and Adelia (Leek) Coates.

Irvine worked for 35 years with Sussex Dept. of Transportation as a heavy equipment operator, which he could sit and tell stories about all day.   Back in the day there wasn't a square dance missed, he could keep the dance floor hot.  Irvine was a great supporter of every supper put on in the community.    Irvine always had a smile on his face for Friday afternoon to come which entailed "happy hour" with one of his best buds "Alan" and then head on over to Chase the Ace at the Legion to support another local fund raiser. He enjoyed a long retirement and was active in his yard and happy to be gardening which always was very beautiful. Nothing could compare to his perfectly shaped dome wood pile.

Irvine was also a long time Legion member of Branch 20 Sussex and served as President and a member of the Orange Lodge. He was also a volunteer fire fighter for about 10 years.

Leaving to mourn is his companion and partner Jessie Critchley; sister Adelia (Maynard) Mercer, along with many nieces and nephews as well as good friends and helpers, Alan Davis and Peter Carpenter.  Irvine was predeceased by sisters: Anne Floyd, Jane Carll, Doris Boyko, Florence McFarlane; brothers Andy Coates, Ruth Coates, Hazel Coates and John Coates.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, NB, (506 433 1176).  A graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 2:00 pm from Trinity Anglican Cemetery, Sussex Corner.

A special thank you to the Neuroscience and cardiac intensive care units, doctors and nurses were absolutely amazing.  We appreciate everything they did.

If you are considering making a memorial donation the family would suggest the Heart & Stroke or Diabetes Assoc. or charity of your choice. Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through WallaceFuneralHome.com