Coates, Edward William June 23, 1948 – February 17, 2014 It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the Coates family shares news of the untimely passing of Edward W. Coates: loving husband, father and grandfather, and a loyal friend who gave his unwavering support to so many in the automotive industry in B.C. and across Canada. Ed passed away peacefully with his family at his side on February 17, 2014 at Ridge Meadows Hospital at the age of 65, after a short, courageous battle with cancer. Ed was born on June 23, 1948, in New Westminster, BC, the second son of five children born to Shirley and Edward (Harry) Coates. He is survived by his mother, Shirley; his loving wife of 42 years, Marlyn; their four children: Samantha, Sarah (Garett), Ian (Erin), and Candace (Brian); their seven precious grandchildren: Natalie, Brooklyn, Dylan, Sydney, Joshua, Delaney and Harper; brother Dave (Carol), sister Leslie (John), sister Evelyn (Don), brother Doug (Lornie) and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. His many friends and colleagues will fondly remember Ed as a brilliant and innovative business leader. Raised in Fort Langley, BC, Ed was a born entrepreneur. His brother Dave gave him a start in the automotive parts business, and from there he went on to realize his life's ambition – to build his own automotive parts business. In August 1974, he and his business partner opened the doors of a modest 900 square foot auto parts store in Haney, BC, Lordco Auto Parts. From these humble beginnings, Ed would guide the company through difficult economic times, and over the next 40 years, firmly establish his iconic status in the automotive industry. Today, Lordco is the largest privately held automotive parts distributor in Canada, with 1,750 employees and 97 locations throughout BC. Ed was a man whose work ethic and fortitude were unsurpassed, his passion unbridled and his loyalty to family and friends boundless. Ed Coates was truly a man who took life by the horns taking advantage of every opportunity life had to offer. Although Ed has left us far too soon, we are comforted with the knowledge that he has touched innumerable lives along his journey, and he will live in our memories forever. A public celebration of Ed's life will be held on March 8, 2014 at 2 p.m. at the Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel (999 Canada Place, Vancouver). All are welcome. The Coates family will establish a legacy fund in Ed's memory in the months ahead, the details of which will be announced in due course.