Stephen was an extraordinary person, activist, leader and "teacher" in Freire's sense of the word.  He leaves a legacy of committed social change agents who were "lit up", inspired, and carefully guided by his wisdom and ability to draw out an individual's "best self".   Thus he gives us ongoing change and hope for a better world.  Kim, Eric and Ben and the Coats and Bobo families--you remain in our hearts and prayers forever.  We know Stephen's spirit remains with you--as full of gentle love and joyful laughter as always.

We will miss Stephen's true moral compass in the struggle for worker rights and social justice. He guided the solidarity movement with clarity and wisdom.

Kim, I have been thinking of you and the unexpected that can simply turn life upside down.  I know you and your sons are living in shock and grief.

So sad for you all…
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… the scripture will come true: “Death is destroyed; victory is complete!”
But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
So then, my dear friends, stand firm and steady, since you know that nothing you do in the Lord's service is ever useless.
Excerpts from 1 Corinthians 15 – Tom Schlatter, another fellow missionary kid from Maesariang, Thailand.

To the Coats /Bobo family - I am thinking of you all during this difficult time. This is a great loss for many people around the world who were touched by Stephen's life, example and personal connection, myself included. I'm sorry I won't be in Chicago to honor him this weekend but I will keep you in my heart and prayers in the days to come.

Kim,I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  I am sorry I never got to meet him, and no words can express your loss.  May his memory always be a blessing to you and your family.  Michael Jacoby Brown

Steve was a friend and colleague. Steve had a lifelong commitment to building a more just world. As Executive Director of USLEAP since 1990 he championed rights of workers in Latin America through worker organizing (banana, coffee, apparel, flower and maquila workers), demanding better standards in trade rules (GSP, CAFTA, NAFTA) and denouncing violence against trade unionists (Guatemala, Colombia, Honduras, Ecuador, Mexico). He was a trusted advisor, strategic thinker and networker. He was a friend to all working people. I'll miss him greatly.

To The Bobo/Coats Family:

I am sorry to hear about the sudden death of Mr. Stephen R. Coats. I pray that you experience the comforting arms of The Lord during this challenging time. And may the love you experienced together always dwell in your heart.

Shalom,

Kim,

All my thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family, may all the good memories help ease your grief over time. 

Mario Cervantes
AFL-CIO Community Services Liaison
United Way of the Plains
Wichita, KS

Kim, Eric and Ben:


I was deeply saddened when I was told this news.  I loved Stephen and he was always so very nice to me. You are in my prayers.

Kimberly Simmons-Gray

Kim, I was so sorry to hear about your husband.  Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.

My deepest sympathies to you and your family, Kim.  My family and I send our thoughts and prayers in this time of sorrow.

Dear FAMILY & comrades of Brother Coates: our deepest sympathies @ this time of loss & mourning.  The Green Party of South Carolina extends our heartfelt sorrows while reminding all of his struggle for justice and peace.  @LarryAccomplish And I hope all my local friends of Cook County & beyond can attend in my place, so long AMIGO

Kim, Eric and Ben,

My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this sad time in your life.  If there is anything you need, please know that I am only a phone call away.

I love you all so very much, 

Janice Reed (Good News Church)

Kim, Eric, and Benjamin,
I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Stephen's death; but with you celebrate his life, accomplishments, and service to so many.  Please know that all your friends in Nashville, TN will be holding you close in our thoughts, prayers, and love.  Dan Rosemergy

Dear Kim,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless and keep you.

Kim, Eric and Benjamin -- In moments like these words fail for what does one say in the face of such loss.  As we think of you and pray for you, we remember the fragility of all life and the dignity all of us ought to have.  While I did not know Stephen I was aware of his work and of his life commitment to the struggle for life in dignity for people so many of us did not see.  His was a life lived purposely and in solidarity. So in this day as we hold each of you in prayer, we also say: Stephen Coats, Presente!

I've always had such respect for Steve and his work and commitment to justice.  I'm so sorry to hear that he's gone.  Prayers are with you all, and please know that my dad, Dick Gregory, sends his condolences and prayers, too.
Blessings,  (Rev.) Anne Gregory (a fellow missionary kid from the Thailand years.)

Kim and family,
Sending thoughts and good memories of Steve.  I remember him singing to you at your wedding.  Keep the good memories close, it helps in this difficult time.
Erin Anderson

Dear Kim -- sending you, your sons and the entire Coats family so much love and support.  I'm so deeply sorry for your loss.  You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.

Judy Conti

OBITUARY

Stephen R Coats

Drake & Son Funeral Home

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