Lordco Auto Parts Founder Passes

Everyone at DragRaceCanada is saddened by the news of the very sudden passing of Ed Coates, a legendary and popular Canadian figure within North America’s auto parts industry……

It is with deep regret that we must announce the passing of Ed Coates. Caotes was the founder and owner of Lordco Auto Parts. Lordco operates  over 100 locations throughout British Columbia. Coates passed away unexpectedly Feb. 18th at the age of 65. 

Coates founded the company with his partner Ray Lord in 1974. Coates bought out his partner in the early 1980s. The compnay currently employs approximately 1,500 people.
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He was the recipient of the prestigious AIA Distinguished Service Award in 2011. Brad Morris, AIA Past Chairman, presented the award and noted Caotes’ leadership and innovative business thinking.
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“Ed Coates has been a supporter of many industry and community projects over the years,” said Morris. “His personal support for a number of causes, both in the industry and in his community, reflects the corporate values that Lordco has become well-known for.”
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“I am shocked that our friend and business associate Ed Coates is no longer with us,” added  Jim Bell the owner of JB’s Power Centers & Dix Performance North in Edmonton who had a very close business relationship and friendship with Ed.  “Ed was a great man and what a loss his life is.  For me I will always remember Ed as being  full of life and laughter and a very hard working, very smart businessman and a loving family man. Ed stood tall in  building his empire of auto parts stores that is known and respected throughout North America.”
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Coates is survived by his mother Shirley; wife Marlyn, daughter Samantha, daughter Sarah (Garret), son Ian (Erin), daughter Candace (Brian); grandkids Natalie, Brooklyn, Dylan, Sydney, Josh, Harper and Delaney; Brother Dave (Carol), Sister Chick (John); Sister Evelyn (Don); Brother Doug (Lornie), several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great nephews.