COATES, Charles Franklin, MD FRCP(C)
We mourn the loss on September 11, 2020 of Charles F. Coates, who died at University Hospital, with family by his side, at the age of 87. He was the beloved husband of Diana (née Ruddy) Coates; the dearest of fathers to Robert Cameron (Kristine), Kimberly (Josef), and Leslie (Bradley); the loving grandfather of Hillary, Elise, Claire and Liam; and the dear brother of the late Robert Coates and the late Yvonne Adams.
Born in 1932, Charles was raised in Pickering, Ontario, son of the late Franklin Coates and Margaret (née Maunders) Coates. It was here that he met Diana, his wife of 60 years. Charles graduated from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine in 1961. He and Diana travelled to Uganda, East Africa, where Charles practiced medicine from 1962-1964. His eldest child, Cameron, was born during this time amidst the optimism of Ugandan Independence from Great Britain.
Upon returning to Canada, Charles began his training in obstetrics at the Toronto Western Hospital. He shifted into the expanding field of radiology. He wrote and was awarded FRCP(C) in Diagnostic Radiology in 1970. On invitation by Dr. Warren Wilkins, Charles moved to London, Ontario in 1972 to join London X-Ray Associates. Through his interest in the emerging value of ultrasound he established the ultrasound suite at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Diagnostic imaging was fast evolving and his work as Associate Professor at the University of Western Ontario Teaching Hospitals gave him great joy. During this time, he served on the OMA Central Tariff Committee. Charles retired from the group in 1998, but continued to practice into his 80th year, working locums in remote locales (Moose Factory, Moosonee, Yellowknife, Dawson Creek) across this country he loved so dearly.
Charles had a long and eventful life shaped by an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and unwavering dedication to medicine. A man of great vitality, he had a kind nature and delighted in relationships. The joy he found in making candy apples for young masqueraders on Halloween established an Autumn tradition of 46 years, not missing one October 31st through 2019. Charles love of words, poetry and music is a legacy to his family. He will be deeply missed by all who shared his humour, inquiring mind and attentiveness.
A visitation will be held at Harris Funeral Home on Thursday, September 17 from 2-5 pm. Visitation is by appointment only: RSVP to Harris Funeral Home, 519-433-7253. A funeral service for family and close friends will be held at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Memorial contributions to St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation, 519-646-6085, or the charity of your choice, would be appreciated.