Curtis J Coates passed away on March 30, 2022 surrounded by what he loved most, his wife and family. As he passed away, he saved his daughters life and then kissed his newest great-grandson that would be born only hours later.
Curtis was born in Fairview, Utah on February 25, 1947 to Vearl Ray Coates and Marietta Brady Coates. Curtis was raised “on the creek” in Fairview and graduated from North Sanpete High School. After graduation Curtis served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the New England States Mission.
Curtis married his one true love, Eddy Jean Bench in the Manti Temple on August 24, 1968. He spent his life making sure that she was happy even when it meant making sacrifices.
Curtis was an example of what hard work is. He worked for the family-owned business, Rods Service, for nearly 50 years as a mechanic and could fix almost anything. He also worked for the North Sanpete School District from 1973-2009 as a bus driver and later as the Transportation Supervisor and bus mechanic, and if working two jobs wasn’t enough, he also worked many odd jobs like plowing snow, hauling topsoil, coal, and gravel.
Curtis loved being in the outdoors hunting and hiking. He especially enjoyed spending time on the San Rafael. He was an avid rock hound and spent hours walking around searching for the perfect rock. He also enjoyed woodworking and used his talent to make beautiful gifts for his family and friends. He was a passionate photographer and loved taking pictures of his family and specialized in landscape photography. Curtis was a gifted mechanic and he could make or fix anything with bailing wire and a little ingenuity.
Curtis was part of the organizing committee for the first Fairview Demolition Derby and continued every year inspecting cars for the derby and visiting with the drivers about their cars. He was also instrumental in the renovation of the Fairview Dance Hall. He volunteered hours to bring the building back to life and supported the community events held there. He also volunteered his time at Civil War Reenactments and he helped set up firework shows.
Curtis is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, his six children: Jody (OD) Christensen, Kerry (Dawn) Coates, Pat (Raylynn) Coates, Terra (John) Sherwood, Jeremy (Theresia) Coates, and Brittany (Brad) Spiker, mother, Marietta Coates, sisters Sandra (Steve) Shcurz, Francine (Blaine) Neil, sister-in-law Shirley Coates, 19 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren (one of which arrived only hours after his passing). Curtis is proceeded in death by his father Vearl Coates, brother, Rodney Coates, and great granddaughter Sharon Maez.
Funeral services were held on Monday, April 4, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. in the Fairview 3rd Ward Chapel (131 E. 100 N.)
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