“LR” Lloyd Ralph Coates
“LR” Lloyd Ralph Coates was born in Consort, Alberta in December 1937 and was the second eldest son of Ethelen Gladys Coates (Sonmor) and “EW” William Earl Coates both born near the line at Alsask, Saskatchewan and Saskalta, Alberta, respectively- a true product of a large hardworking farm family with 8 siblings: Mervin (pre-deceased) and survived by Ray, Audrey, Laverne, Claire, Lorraine, Guy & Denise.
Like his father, Lloyd went across the 4th meridian to Loverna, Saskatchewan for his bride of over 60 years, “Jo” Josephine Audrey Coates (Hedin) who survives. Lloyd and Jo are survived by 4 children: Brent Lloyd, Elaine Sharon, Warren Scott and Darren Paul Coates and four grand kids: Brandyn, Taylor, Jasper and Ellery Coates. And one great grand-daughter Aubree, Taylor’s daughter.
LR worked hard to achieve much. He left this world with a well-used body having survived a barn fire in Conrich, broken ribs from a protective mare, crushed knees from bulls in trimming/blocking chutes etc. LR was an award-winning purebred cattlemen and showman- Shawnee Charolais won numerous grand-champions and consigned many high selling entries. He had the eye and the touch; he judged and was ring-man for cattle shows at the professional and 4-H levels. LR’s “hands to larger service” were honoured for his part in forming several 4-H Clubs including, Bellis and Vilna and was a leader for the Chestermere club.
At Conrich, LR exposed his kids to the world of global progeny as he was pivotal in the quarantine station there, where the exotics came into Canada from France, Italy and Switzerland bringing size and rate-of-gain to the British breeds. The Charolais business was an exciting place to be in the 70’s and Lloyd and Jo were in the thick of it.
Farming took LR from the homestead area in Compeer, to Conrich in 1971 and in 1978 to south of Vilna near the North Saskatchewan River. Claire & Guy followed, where the band of brothers collaborated putting up silage (not common there), shared farm implements and mixed in a few Pilsners and some rye. After years of drought in 1995 he scaled it down with a smaller operation in Botha- east of Stettler.
An eventful and memorable life by a true cow man, who did well for the bovine species, had his special connections with horses such as Spook, Scout and Dixie and an unequalled work ethic and tenacity. His true love with Jo for over 60 of his 83 years will last beyond- exemplified by few, followed by fewer.
A celebration of their eventful lives will be held at 2 pm on August 7th in Loverna, Saskatchewan.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the 4-H Foundation of Alberta in Lloyd’s honour at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/4-h-foundation-of-alberta/. Or buy a fat steer with friends from a 4-H’r.