Brandon James Coates, age 20, of 5888 26th Lane; Gladstone (Brampton Twp.) died unexpectantly Thursday, January 20th, 2005. Brandon was born August 31st, 1984 at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba the son of Darrel and Bobbi (Young) Coates and was a 2003 graduate of the Gladstone Area High School. He was active in wrestling during his years at the Cameron Elementary School.
While growing up in the Brampton area, Brandon developed a love for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also had a passion for Dodge trucks, snowmobiles, and four-wheelers.
Brandon received training in fire fighting from Escanaba Public Safety and was president of the Brampton Township Fire Department. He was employed by the Holiday Service Station from 2001 to the present, working in both Escanaba and Gladstone. To all who knew him, he was a kind and loving person who would lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Brandon will be greatly missed and will always be loved by his family and friends.
Brandon Coates survivor
Anonymous
I’m from Gladstone and went to elementary, middle and high school with Brandon. He was one of the nicest people I have ever encountered. I remember going into Holiday all the time and seeing him working, he always had a smile to offer and that is a thing I will never forget.
Alessa Thomas
East Lansing, MI
The one thing that comes to mind when I think about Brandon is just how nice he was. I’ll never forget the time I actually got to spend with him senior year when we were both aids for Mr. Trombly second hour. Brandon always had something funny to say and made me laugh all the time. I’ll always remember the hard times Mr. Trombly and I gave Brandon about getting his senior picture taken and how it turned into this inside joke between all of us. Brandon’s locker was next to mine and he would always smile at me and say hi. The one thing I’ll remember the most about Brandon though, is the times when I would go into Holiday for gas and most of the time come out with a free hot chocolate. He was such a great person and will be missed.
Katie DeCamp
Gladstone, MI
Brandon was truely a sweet person. I graduated with him from Gladstone High School…he brought a smile to every day.
Gladstone, MI
Derrell & Bobbi,
Our deepest and most sincere condolences to you and your families. Brandon always had a smile on his face when he waited on us at Holiday. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Paul & Renee Lundberg
Rapid River, MI
To the Coates Family:
Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. We saw Brandon at work occasionally and always thought he was so sweet. We will hold you and your family in our prayers.
Justin and Jennifer Gurney
Escanaba, MI
Brandon had a heart of gold. I always enjoyed visiting with him in church and at the station. We mostly talked about fishing and Dodge trucks.
It grievs my heart to think about him passing at such a young age.
My sincerest condolances to his family.
Jake Nyquist
Gladstone, MI
I will miss him.
Kimberly
Sacramento, CA
Tony - Albuquerque , NM
I still think about him… I envied him bc he seemed to always be mellow and happy. It was an honor to have grown up with him.