The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Warren "Dale" Coats went home to be with the Lord February 4, while at the Partners in Care Hospice House in Bend after battling Lewy body dementia.

Dale was born January 22, 1939, in Rock Springs, Wyoming, to James and Vera Coats. His childhood years were spent in Long Beach, California.

His wonderful high school years were attended at Jordan High School in Long Beach. His 1956 Chevy was his prize possession, and he especially enjoyed being president of a very active car club. During his senior year, he met his lifetime sweetheart, Irene Matthews. They were married July 10, 1959.

Dale worked at North American Aviation at that time, a mechanical engineer, and was proud to have had a part in working on the Apollo Space Craft. Dale served in the Army National Guard from 1959-1963. In 1966 Dale and Irene moved to Beaverton, Oregon, with their two children, Steve and Debbie, where Dale worked for Tektronix for many years.

In 1969 Dale made another life commitment, to follow Jesus, at Village Baptist Church.

He absolutely loved the outdoors, and he used that love for ministry with youth, leading climbs up Mt. Hood, and taking many week-long backpacking trips into the wilderness. Fishing, hiking, bike riding, and wood working were his passions. But his greatest love was his wife and family.

Healthy marriage was also a high priority, and pre-marital counseling became another ministry involvement.

The family moved to Newberg in 1979, and enjoyed 20 years there. In 1999, Dale and Irene moved to Sisters for his employment at Weitech.

They were active members of Sisters Community Church. A new ministry developed, this time with four-legged partners, Lucky and Buddy, his therapy dogs. Along with his wife, they visited many memory-care facilities, schools, fire camps, and became volunteers with Partners In Care.

Dale was also honored to be a member of the Sisters American Legion, and forever grateful for their help during his cancer recovery.

A move closer to Bend was made in 2016 for health reasons. His family cherished him, grieve his loss, but look forward to the day when they will see him again.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Garry W. Coats.

He is survived by his wife, Irene; son, Steven (Dannette) Coats; daughter, Debbie (Michael) Ford; sister Ada Unruh; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Sisters Community Church on April 13, at 2 p.m.