COATES, Rodger Eugene

Arizona Republic (Phoenix AZ) Friday, September 12, 2014 Rodger Eugene Coates, 62, of Black Canyon City, Arizona, passed away August 26, 2014. As a hard-working, "old school lineman", Rodger loved his profession as a Journeyman Line Technician and started his career over 40 years ago at Lincoln Electric in Lincoln, NE. He also worked for Nebraska Public Power District, Beatrice, NE, and Sunflower Electric Cooperative, Garden City, KS, before moving to Phoenix in 1986 to work for Arizona Public Service. In his most recent position with APS he was an EHV Patrolman where, via helicopter, he patrolled high voltage transmission lines looking for potential problems. He was long-time member of IBEW #387. Rodger served as a mentor to his colleagues, friends, and family alike. He loved Harley motorcycles, fast hot-rod cars, and tinkering on a new toy, hobby, or project. Most of all, Rodger loved his family and friends and was there to help anyone at a moment's notice. He touched many lives with his kindness, generosity, laughter, silly jokes, love, and presence and he will be greatly missed. Born in Cherokee, Iowa, on December 8, 1951, Rodger is survived by beloved sons Andrew and Barrett Coates, both of Phoenix, AZ; granddaughter Heather Coates, Phoenix, AZ; granddaughter Amanda Adams (Charlie) and great-granddaughter Sariah Adams, Mesa, AZ; former wife and mother of his children, Cindy Coates, Phoenix, AZ; brother Michael Coates, Lincoln, NE; sister Sharon Kaczor (Charles), Seward, NE; two nieces, four nephews, four great-nieces and three great-nephews. He is also survived by companion Peggy Klusek, Black Canyon City, AZ; former wife Meichel Coates and daughter Jamie (Glass) Barclay; and, former wife Melissa Greene Coates and children Justin and Jaclyn (Courtney) Canipe, all of Phoenix. Rodger is preceded in death by his parents Francis (Frank) Marion and Lois Elizabeth (Cummings) Coates. A Celebration of Life to honor Rodger will be held Saturday, September 27, 2014, 11:00am at Unity of Phoenix, 1500 E Greenway Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85022. A reception will follow the services. For those wishing to send flowers, please arrange for delivery to Unity of Phoenix the day of the service. Memorials can be made in Rodger's honor to the charity of your choice. Arrangements under the care of Cremation Society of Arizona, El Mirage, AZ.