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In memory of

Joseph "Lee" Coates

Nampa, ID

March 24, 1945 - April 26, 2020

Mar 24, 1945 - Apr 26, 2020

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Joseph “Lee” Coates earned his heavenly angel wings on Sunday 4/26/20 in his home, surrounded by his family, after a hard fought battle with cancer. Of course, all who knew Lee recognized him as an angel during his time on earth as well. His calm demeanor offered a steady and level head in times of chaos, however his mischievous sense of humor brought light and laughter to all who knew him.
Lee was born 3/24/1945 to Joseph and Josephine Coates in Kimberly, ID. It is likely his teasing nature was honed during his time growing up in a small house with his 8 siblings. His parents instilled in him an iron clad work ethic during that he carried with him throughout his life. Lee worked as a carpenter in his early years and joined the Idaho National Guard in his 20’s, but found his true passion in construction. Lee was self-taught, he worked for years to master his craft and pass on his knowledge and tricks of the trade to his sons, his grandsons and anyone else who was willing to learn. Lee was an unexpected fixture in the commotion of a construction site, he kept his head down, took great pride in his work and always treated people with kindness and respect. Through his career, he worked for Boise Cascade, Sundance Construction, and Steed Construction before “retiring” in 2018, only to go back to work alongside his son Dusty and grandson Sage at Redco.
In 1963, while cruising the streets of Twin Falls, Lee first laid eyes on a leggy blond, who he called Spider Legs, and the rest is history. In 1967 that girl, Darlene Hodkins, would become his wife, his best friend and partner in absolutely every part of life. The love story of Dee and Lee is one that most people only dream of; inseparable and giddy, they weathered the hard times and the good times of their nearly 54 year marriage with love, respect, grit and laughter. They acted as newlyweds every day of their marriage and their preferred spot to sit was always next to one another. Lee had a knack for making Dee’s artistic visions come to life, often times patiently rebuilding, or changing things until it was just right. He took the very best care of her and in return she took the very best care of him.
Together Dee and Lee moved from the Magic Valley to the Treasure Valley in 1972. They had 3 wonderful kids, Tiffany, Ryan and Dusty. The boys each picked one of their dad’s passions to make their life’s work. For Ryan it was cars and for Dusty it was construction, each of them give their dad credit for instilling in them integrity and their work ethic. Tiffany was her dad’s sunshine and he was hers, their bond between dad and daughter was something unmatched. And while Lee was proud of his kids, it was his grandkids that made him really light up, he had 3 granddaughters and 4 grandsons. The boys will always remember adventures, fishing, and working alongside him framing and pouring concrete. The girls will hold close the memory of the way he would tease them to get a smile, the love he had for Dee and how he would do anything to make her happy.
Lee is survived by his best friend and wife of 54 years, Darlene “Dee”; his daughter Tiffany (Ron) Martinez of Boise, his son Ryan Coates of Kuna, and his son Dusty (Annie) Coates of Nampa; 7 Grandchildren, Sage, Grayson, Radlee & Cooper Coates, Janel Nichols, Stacy Richard, and Michelle McFarland; and 5 Great Grandchildren, Gracelyn Coates, Tanner & Harper Nichols, Mason & Ryker Richard, and Kamden & Kenzlie McFarland.
Lee may have been small in stature, but he was mighty in strength and spirit, he always said “Dynamite comes in small packages”
We love you and will miss you, Dad!
A celebration of life will be held at a later date, details to be announced soon.

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