Arleigh Mae Cates

Arleigh is survived by her 3 children; Lorrell (Ron) Benson, Jamie Cates, Joell (Ian) Fallon; 9 grandchildren, Whitney (Jesse) Conn, Ryan (Meg Fulton) Benson, Daylin (Bruce) Keizer, Brantley (Mena Chiarizia) Benson, Quinn (Sheldon Robinson) Turgeon, Fiona (Spencer) May, Emmilly Benson, Chelsey Fallon and Lauren Fallon; 9 great grandchildren, Evan, Wyatt & Knox Conn, Zoey & Reilly Benson, Charleigh Danielsen, Matteo & Zebedee Keizer and Walter May. Brother-in-law Brien (Ardelle) Cates, Sister-in-laws Margaret Timmons & Anne Timmons. Numerous nieces & nephews & great nieces & nephews & Cousins. Cooper, her very special four-legged buddy.

Predeceased by her husband of 52 years, James Newton Cates, her father James Clifford Timmons, her mother Edna May (Service) Timmons, infant daughter Arleigh Mae, brother Gary Timmons & sister-in-law Fairlie Timmons, Brothers James C. Timmons, Rodney Timmons & Robert J. Timmons

Arleigh was born and raised in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan. Throughout her school years she was involved in sports like Track & Field, Softball & Curling. She was involved in various groups such as Mission Band, Explorers, CGIT, Glee Club and Canadian Red Cross. Arleigh loved literature, she loved to tell and hear stories about our world and the people in it. Arleigh married James (Jim) in October 10, 1964 in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan via candle light then moved to Port Alberni, BC in 1966 for their honeymoon where they raised their 3 children. Arleigh worked at CIBC in Regina but mostly in Port Alberni for 17 non-consecutive years as a teller to Assistant Administrator. Arleigh loved helping and caring for others she went on to take her LTCA course and graduated in 1988 in Port Alberni and then went to work at Trillium Lodge in Parksville for 13 years until her retirement. Arleigh & Jim moved to Qualicum 1989 where they built their little rancher.

Arleigh was involved in her adult life in many organizations CGIT, Grannies-to-Grannies, Rainbows, Job’s Daughters, and a Life Time Member of UCW at St. Stephen’s United Church. Her Motto in life was the CGIT motto “As a Canadian girl in training under the leadership of Jesus, it is my purpose to cherish health, seek truth, know God and serve others. And thus, with his help, become the girl God would have me be”.

Arleigh’s favourite flower was the yellow rose, which meant friendship. Her tea set is that of the “Yellow Tea Rose”. Arleigh wasn’t a religious person but a spiritual one. Arleigh cherished her family and friends. They were all very important in her life.

A memorial service will be held in her honour at 2pm on Tuesday, August 26th, 2025 at St. Stephen’s Church, 150 Village Way, Qualicum Beach, BC V9X 1L1

In lieu of flowers, please consider honouring Arleigh’s memory with a donation to BC Children’s Hospital or to the Charity of your choice.