COATES (nee Forbes)
Joan Bayntun
1922 - 2014
Joan Coates, at 92, having made a deliberate decision to end all life-maintaining sustenance and medication for quality of life reasons, drew her last breath at 3:30 pm Sunday, October 26th with friends and family present. The last request of this amazingly resilient, life-loving, independent thinker was that her friends and family campaign for the option of legalized physician-assisted death in Canada. Joan is survived by her two children and four grandchildren, of whom she was immensely proud. For friends and family alike, Joan has been an inspiration. She particularly relished her times as a nurse, cattle rancher, Pony Club organizer, world sailor/traveller, and political organizer. She embraced adventure, but always remained a "no nonsense" pragmatist. Joan believed passionately in the Canadian democratic process, the importance of children and youth feeling valued and meaningfully involved, and the Pearson College philosophy of "education as the force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future". She will be dearly missed by friends, family and colleagues from all walks of life. In her final months, Joan spent extended time at VGH and Sunset Lodge. Our thanks go to the many health care professionals and staff, who provided exceptional care and support. In lieu of flowers, donations to Pearson College or Dying with Dignity Canada would be appreciated. A celebration of her life will be held at the Royal Colwood Golf Course, 629 Goldstream Ave, Colwood, BC on November 25th from 2 - 4 pm.