We remember and celebrate the life of Eugene Coates, a man whose presence was a gift to all who knew him. Eugene, who left us peacefully on December 28, 2023, after a long battle with illness, was a beacon of joy, love, and wit. Eugene was the epitome of fun, loving, giving, quick-witted, compassionate, and yes, delightfully sarcastic. His love for nature, shared passionately with his son Jeremy, was a testament to his appreciation for life's simple beauties.
Those cherished moments golfing with friends or fishing on Chenerie Lake with Jeremy were more than hobbies; they were expressions of his love for life and companionship. To know Eugene was indeed to love him. He had this extraordinary ability to make you feel special, to make you feel important. This was especially true for his family, his “girls” – his daughters, Alexis and Ashley, and Laila, along with his beloved wife, Diane. His relationship with them was not just special; it was a living example of unconditional love. Eugene never held back his feelings or affection. He demonstrated love not just in words but in actions, emphasizing quality time and never rushing through life's moments.
For 27 years, he showed Diane every day how much she meant to him. He was more than a husband; he was her best friend, her companion, and a constant source of support and love. Words cannot adequately express the deep devotion and love shared between Eugene and Diane. His colleagues and friends knew a man sharp and quick-witted, always ready with a joke, a trait evident even at 17 when he started at Graphic Packaging. Over 45 years, Eugene's intelligence, attention to detail, and unique humor helped him progress in his career and build lasting relationships. We celebrate his life, a life lived fully and with great love. Eugene's legacy lives on in the hearts of those he touched – his family, friends, and coworkers.
He is preceded in death by his father, James Matthew Coates, and his son, Jeremy Eugene Coates, but his spirit is carried forward by his wife, Diane, his daughters......... and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. Eugene Coates, you were a light in the lives of many, and your memory will continue to shine brightly in our hearts.
