WILLIAM STUART "BILL" COATES ~ Class of 1963
September 30, 1944 - February 5, 2008

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Bill Coates passed away at his home in Bisbee, AZ February 5, 2008. He was born on September 30, 1944 in Vanport, OR to Frank and Florence Coates.

Bill graduated from Columbia High School in Richland, WA in 1963. He joined the Navy soon after graduation. After his tour of duty in Vietnam he returned to Richland. In November, 1966 he and Elaine Collins were married. Bill leaves behind two daughters from that union, Vanessa and Angie. Also two grandchildren, Tommie and Jacob. Bill and Elaine were later divorced.

Bill worked and retired from Sandvik Special Metals in Finley.

Bill married Diana Kay Craig in February of 1992, and after residing in Finley for several years they moved to Bisbee, AZ after his retirement. With that union Bill had stepchildren Brian Wingfield of Aurora, IL, Pamela Zorn of Tucson, AZ, Heather Monacchio of Tempe, AZ and Mathew Rainey of Richland WA.

Also surviving Bill are sister Anne Marie Coates Crow (NAB) of Longmont, CO, brother Richard ('52) (Kay Mitchell ('52)) Coates of Valley, WA, sister Beverly Coates Karns ('52) of Richland, WA, sister MaryLee ('59) (Robert) Batterton of Benton City, WA, and brother James ('65)(Gay) Coates of Prosser, WA. He also leaves behind 14 step-grandchildren and 2 step-great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents and brothers Franklyn Coates (NAB) and John Coates (NAB).

At his request there will be no services.

From 2/8/08 Tri-City Herald