The Coates Family History and Other Stories

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction (at the bottom of this page)

COATES FAMILY STORIES

Early Days in British Columbia

The History of my Father, Preston Charles Coates (1881-1960)

Stories from the Past

OLIVER AREA RETROSPECTIVE

Reminiscence

Racism - 1927

Memories of the 1931 Camp McKinney Fire

Tom Ellis Cabin

HUNTING AND FISHING STORIES

Hunting with the Kings

Raven

History of the Southern Okanagan Sportsmen's Association

(minor revisions: Aug/2009)

Introduction

It is unfortunate that some of our forefathers did not record something in writing and pass on to us, but we have a family history, quite a good family history, actually. So, we are not at a loss altogether. I've been very fortunate to live as long as I have. The secret of living to a good long healthy old age is choosing your parents. I am very fortunate in the fact that I have known all my grandparents both on my mother's side and my father's side.

Johnny has been encouraging me for years to record family stories, and we have spent many happy hours in retrospection, tape recorder in hand.

Jack Coates

I have often felt that "If experiences are not recorded, they did not happen".

It is also clear to me that most people want to know their heritage.

This is a draft document. My hope is that this compendium of family stories by Dad will encourage others in the family to record more stories, which can be added. Perhaps using or building on stories told at family reunions.

We would also like to acknowledge the encouragement and support of Dennis Coates and the technical assistance of John Coulthard.

Johnny Coates

A copy of these stories suitable for printing is available here (PDF file - 650 KB)

Return to John and Eleanor Coulthard's home page