Obituary of Louie Yates

Yates, Lewis, 77 Glace Bay Yates, Lewis Glace Bay – It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved father and husband, Lewis (Louie) Yates on May 2, 2021. Born on June 29, 1943 he was the son of the late Louis (Duckie) Yates and Margaret (Aucoin) Yates. Louie was a colorful charactered who was adored by many. Known for his quick sense of humor and generosity, Louie made friends anywhere he went. Louie was always a hard worker, wanting to make sure those around him never went without. He left school in Grade 8 to haul bootleg coal, he did this by convincing his mother that the nuns said he was too smart for school and did not have to attend. He eventually moved on from bootlegging coal to doing it legit, working many other mines in the local area. Louie’s hard work paid off and he was able to buy his first tantum truck and eventually built a successful and well-known company called Steeles Hill Landscaping. When not tearing down buildings and clearing land, Louie moonlighted as the local “dog catcher”. After retirement, Louie caught the travel bug and along with his wife Geri, and their friends and family, travelled all over the world, enjoying life and all it had to offer. Louie is survived by his wife, care giver and love of his life, Geraldine (McNeil) Yates their son Ryan (Rebecca) and his grandson and best little buddy Luca Louis. Louie is also survived by his first wife Isabel (MacPherson) Yates and their three children, daughter Cindy (Michael) and sons John (Wendy) and Kelly (Shannon) as well as his daughter-in-law Tammy MacKay; and his grandchildren, Ashley, Kelly, and Cameron. Louie is also survived by his sisters Linda (Gordie) and Beverly (Ricky), brother, Darrell (Ruth) and Sister-in-law Joan Yates as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Louie is also survived by Geri’s family, The McNeil’s, who he always thought of as family. Besides his parents,Louie was predeceased by his sister Jackie Brann, brothers Francie and Weldon. He was also predeceased by brothers-in-law Ronnie Bailey, and John Brann; as well as sister-in-law Barb Yates. Louie was also survived by Ryan’s “other brother”, and best friend, Matthew (Dougal) MacDonald whom Louie loved like a son. Louie was also thankful for his quarterly calls for the last 15 years from Cailin Wadden who never forgot the bond they shared. Louie enjoyed living life, eating what he wanted, buying what he wanted and being nice to people. He always said and lived by these words “It doesn’t hurt to be nice to people.” He will be missed by many. Special thanks to Dr. Rose MacKay and Dr. Diane McLaughlin who through the years always made sure he was well looked after. Thanks to his family Doctor, Dr. Puppala. Thank you to the Doctors on call the night he was brought in, Dr. MacDonald and Dr. Kata, as well as the wonderful staff and nurses in the Emergency Room and Palliative Care. Cremation has taken place under the care and guidance of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay. 902.849.4199. A visitation for Louie will be held on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, from 12-3 p.m. with a Celebration of Life to follow at T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay, 902-849-4199. Seating is limited, and we ask that COVID-19 Restrictions to be adhered to. Thank you. In lieu of flowers, please help somebody who needs it, it is what he would want. Expressions of sympathy and stories you would like to share with the family, (we would love to hear them), may be sent to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com. Go Rest High on That Mountain Dad Your Work on Earth is Done Go to Heaven a Shoutin’ Love for the Father and the Son.