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)
OLIVER AREA
RETROSPECTIVE
Memories of the 1931 Camp McKinney Fire
HUNTING AND
FISHING STORIES
History of the Southern Okanagan
Sportsmen's
Association
(minor revisions: Aug/2009)
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.
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.
A copy
of these stories suitable for printing is
available here (PDF file - 650 KB)