Leroy Coates, a member of the P.A. and Saskatchewan sports halls of fame, has passed away. (Submitted Photograph/Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Athletic Achievements

Decorated local athlete remembered

Aug 7, 2019 | 3:41 PM

Prince Albert’s sports community has lost a major figure.

Leroy Coates, who was a member of the P.A. and Saskatchewan sports halls of fame has died, the news was broken by the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame on their social media pages Tuesday.

Coates, who was enshrined in both hall of fames for his accomplishments in wheelchair athletics was also part of the inaugural class for the Canadian Wheelchair Basketball Associations Hall of Fame.

During his athletic career Coates brought home over 30 medals competing in a variety of sports ranging from volleyball to track and field. His competitive pursuits took him to international competitions which included the Pan American and Olympic Games.

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Competition was not the only area where Coates contributed as for many years he served as a minor official at Raider games. James Mays, who worked as an on ice official remembers Coates for how much pride he took in his work.

“He wouldn’t even have to wait for the referees to come over and give their signal, he already had the penalty down and he knew it was hooking, or it was tripping, or whatever, the number before we got to the penalty box,” he said.

Along with working Raider games, Mays said he would see Coates at other sporting events where he would be helping out. Mays remarked Coates never let being in a wheelchair hold him back.

“He was always willing to do whatever he could,” he said.

While many will be remembering Coates for his involvement in sports and athletics, Barry Mihilewicz said he remembers Coates and his wife Marlene from the many years he went to their jewelry store on 13th Street E.

“They were like the place to go if you wanted to buy jewelry, or especially if you needed something fixed, or you needed a watch repaired, he was really good,” he said.

Mihilewicz added people who came into the store were treated as if they were family. Along with being friendly, Mihilewicz said Coates was a friendly person and could talk about the Raiders and hockey all day.

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@mjhskcdn