Thomas Keith Coates

Thomas “Keith” Coates, aged 87, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026, in Warren, Michigan. Born on July 2, 1938, in Exeter, Ontario, to Whitney and Viola (Hodgert) Coates, Keith spent his early years in Exeter and Usborne Township. After completing Grade 10, he attended Ridgetown College of Agriculture Technology before returning to the family farm. There, he and his father raised Purebred Hereford cattle and Standardbred racehorses, demonstrating his deep connection to agriculture and animal husbandry.

Throughout his career, Keith worked in sales for McKinley Hatchery in Zurich, Ontario, and later with the Canadian Hereford Association. His expertise as a cattleman earned him respected roles as a judge at prestigious events such as Argibition, the Royal Winter Fair, Canadian National Exhibition, and Western Fair, among others across Ontario. His skills also took him abroad as a consultant to Argentina. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Keith found great joy in training, driving, and caring for horses. His warm personality and extensive travels allowed him to build a vast social network, where strangers quickly became friends.

Keith was predeceased by his parents, his sister Shirley (Richard) Doherty, and his wife Mary Jo (Jody) Coates. He is survived by his sister Wilma (Wally) Smolanski; his children Brad (Cindy) Coates, Tom (Jill) Coates, and Sue (Tom) Passmore; as well as his grandchildren Jaylene (Matt) Butler, Delaney Coates, Cecily Coates, Tommy (Ally) Coates, and Brock and Bria Passmore. He also leaves behind his great-grandchildren Collins and Tripp Whitney Coates and Clark Butler. Additionally, his step-daughter Brenda, her husband Jeremy Colvin, and their sons Charlie and Will survive him.

A devoted hockey fan, Keith enjoyed sharing his insights with many, especially his lifelong best friend Bill Pincombe. In his later years, while living in a residential complex, he worked part-time as a gatekeeper and served as a friendly greeter to visitors. Keith forged meaningful friendships there, including with John Tocco, Steve Morroso, and his “third son,” Don Van Massenhoven, whose visits and companionship were treasured.

Following cremation, Keith will be laid to rest at Exeter Public Cemetery in Ontario. A celebration of his life will be held this summer in Exeter for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Exeter Legion, Branch 167, or the Exeter Lions Club in Exeter, Ontario, supporting causes dear to his heart.

Keith Coates will be remembered with great affection for his kindness, passion for agriculture, and the many friendships he cultivated throughout his life.