1914-2019
Words of Remembrance for Brother John Coates, FSC
Delivered by
Brother Francis Mc Crea, FSC
Mass of Christian Burial
Chapel at Presentation Manor, Toronto, Ontario
Celebrant: Reverend Brian Inglis, CSB
September 4, 2019
“Honor thy father and mother and thou shall be long lived on the land.”
Today we celebrate John Coates’ 106th year of life. He was born on March 14, 1914, into a family of seven children of devoted parents from Leeds, England. As one on the founding members of Holy Name Parish, his family faithfully attended services there, and donated a
stained glass window to the parish.
John received the habit of the Brothers in 1930 and was given the name Edmund. He began his teaching career in Aurora, Ontario. For most of the next forty years, he taught mathematics and religion at St. Joseph’s in Buffalo and at various schools from Quebec City to London, Ontario. In addition to teaching, he was very active in extra-curricular activities such as intramural basketball, fund raising, and the Legion of Mary. During these years, he received his teaching certificates from Ontario and Quebec, and a B.A. from the University of Toronto. He was head of the class when he did his Bachelor in Pedagogy Degree and received a Licentiate in Pedagogy from the University of Montreal.
At various times, he was engaged in retreat and formation work that included two years in Malta. He opened a retreat house in Jackson’s Point, Ontario, which later developed into the Jericho Youth Centre. During retirement, he volunteered in the inner city with the Brothers of the Good Shepherd, the Society for Care-giving, the Society of Sharing and St. Vincent de Paul Society.
John suffered from chronic asthma, but overcame his disability by frequent long walks and sunbathing. He was always known as a prayerful person. He began his days with the Morning Offering and the renewal of his Vows. Much of his days were spent in the chapel or his room saying the rosary.
In later years, John had some difficulty with his hearing and vision, but was quite happy not talking. He always expressed his appreciation for anything done for him, and especially to his caregivers during his retirement years. May we, too, live as charitably and prayerfully as Brother John! May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace!
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Brother John Coates, FSC
Born John Coates in Toronto ON on 14 March 1914
Entered the Juniorate in Aurora ON on 5 September 1928
Entered the Novitiate in Aurora ON on 29 June 1930
Received the Religious Habit and Name Sergius Edmund on 30 August 1930
Pronounced Perpetual Vows in Aurora ON on 30 June 1939
Died at Providence Healthcare on 27 August 2019
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS
Wednesday, 4 September 2019
Memorial Mass – 11.00am
Presentation Manor
480-61 Fairfax Crescent · Toronto ON M1L 1Z7
Brother John died peacefully early Tuesday morning with Brother Francis McCrea at his side. Per Brother John’s request, his body was donated to the University of Toronto for medical research.
The District of Eastern North America remembers Brother John with memorial liturgies according to the tradition of the Institute. Through their prayers, communities and individuals entrust Brother John to God’s loving care. May he rest in peace.
ASSIGNMENTS
1931–1935
Aurora ON
Scholasticate (student)
1935–1936
Aurora ON
Scholasticate (teacher)
1936–1937
Toronto ON
De La Salle College “Oaklands”
1937–1938
Buffalo NY
Saint Joseph’s Collegiate Institute
1938–1939
London ON
De La Salle High School
1939–1940
Toronto ON
Benildus Hall (OCE)
1940–1954
Montréal PQ
D’Arcy McGee High School
1954–1954
Compton ON
Second Novitiate
1954–1957
Scarborough ON
Novitiate (sub-director)
1957–1958
Montréal PQ
Cardinal Newman High School
1958–1964
Quebec City PQ
Saint Patrick High School
1964–1965
Uxbridge ON
Saint John’s School
1965–1970
Lachine PQ
Bishop Whelan High School
1970–1975
Lachine PQ
Bishop Whelan High School (resident: Piche Academy)
1975–1976
Montréal PQ
D’Arcy McGee High School (studies)
1976–1977
Scarborough ON
O’Connor House (vocation director)
1977–1978
Toronto ON
Formation Centre (vocation staff)
1978–1979
Toronto ON
De La Salle College “Oaklands”
1979–1981
Malta
Novitiate (director)
1981–1983
Toronto ON
226 St. George Street (formation staff)
1983–1985
Toronto ON
De La Salle College “Oaklands”
1985–1989
Jackson’s Point ON
House of Prayer (renewal)
1989–1991
Scarborough ON
La Salle Manor
1991–1997
Toronto ON
Saint Paul’s Community (volunteer)
1997–2003
Toronto ON
De La Salle College “Oaklands” (retired)
2003–2007
Scarborough ON
La Salle Manor (retired)
2007–2018
Toronto ON
Loretto Abbey (retired)
2018–2019
Toronto ON
Providence Healthcare (retired)
When I was attending Bishop Whelan High School in the late 60’s Brother Edmund (as he was then called) was my home room teacher in Grade 10. He was a most kind and gentle man and his Religion classes were a pleasure to attend. Rather than just teaching rote from the same old texts, he used music to reach us kids more effectively (eg. Simon & Garfunkle songs, etc.). This served to stimulate the more insightful and beautiful side of our natures. Although we often tried to test his patience, he remained a steadfast and superior role model of humility, kindness, and perseverance. Thank you Brother for putting up with us and showing us a better way … May God bless you!