PSAC BC was saddened to hear of the passing of Fred Coates on February 13, 2024. Fred served as the National President of Agriculture Union from 1983 to 1993. After Fred retired in 1998, he was honoured with life membership in the Agriculture Union and in the PSAC. In Fred’s later years of activism, he was a vocal advocate for seniors with BCOAPO, COSCO and other retiree associations.
When asked about the passing of Fred Coates, retired Agricultue Union National President Bob Kingston, provided the following:
At the start of my career I had the great fortune to meet and work with Fred Coates. He was already on our National Executive and shortly after, he moved to Ottawa to become our National President.
Fred was a great role model and led by example, always conducting himself professionally and treating everyone with respect. Fred had a desire for fairness and justice, and the ability to do something about it, so his sense of duty and service made him step up.
Although Fred had much to be proud about, he was never boastful. He always emphasized teamwork and tried to instill this idea among his National Council members.
His dedication to service and duty didn’t end when he retired. He spent the rest of his life fighting for the rights of retirees and seniors through his leadership in several seniors and retiree organizations.
For all he did he will be missed dearly and always be remembered as the best statesman the Agriculture Union ever had as a leader.
Bob Kingston, Retired Agriculture Union National President and PSAC BC member
Fred Coates’ full obituary can be found online here.
Donations in Fred’s name may be made to Kent-Harrison Senior Social Centre Society (KHSCHS), 7272 Morrow Rd., Agassiz, BC V0M 1A2.
A Celebration of Life will be held on March 23, 2024 at 1 PM at the Agassiz United Church, 6860 Lougheed Hwy. with reception following.