August 23, 1943 – October 31, 2024

John will be forever remembered by his children James (Julia) Coates and Helen (Cole) (Thompson), sister Karen (Barteaux), niece Hillary (Barteaux), nephew Matthew (Barteaux) and grandchildren Lauren, Nicholas and Christopher (Ambeault), and Victoria (Coates). John is predeceased by his father Robert John (Coates) and mother Margaret Grace (Cullen).
John was born on August 23, 1943 in Brandon Manitoba and was a true prairie boy. He graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University Guelph in 1968. John worked in large animal practice for many years in Manitoba, Alberta and two years in New Zealand. He completed his Masters degree in Veterinary Science at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan in 1986.
He worked as a veterinary diagnostic pathologist for the Government of British Columbia for over 20 years. After retiring, John settled in Claresholm, Alberta where his father Robert had been a flight navigation instructor during WWII. John had a passion for watercolour painting and the written word, having written children’s books and a memoir.
He loved all creatures great and small and his compassion and dedication to animals of every kind is one of his greatest legacies.
A private family service will be held.