Rotarian of the Week 07-06-11

Our Rotarian of the Week grew up in Casper Wyoming attending Natrona County High School home of the Mustangs. He went on the University of Wyoming receiving his bachelor’s degree in 1970. This Rotarian was in business at an early age. When he was five years old he dug up earth worms and sold them to the bait shop for one penny a worm. Our special Rotarian is married to the lovely, former president of the Rotary Club of Cheyenne, Roberta Coates. Doug and Roberta have three wonderful children; Ricky, Ryan and Becky.

Doug Coates is very proud of Roberta and his children. He is continually amazed by their accomplishments. He is proud of the buildings he has designed. He is proud of the fact that in his prime he was a very good skier. Doug is grateful that he can live with Parkinson’s disease as easily as he does. He says … “My speech volume can be very low at times, but that is okay, because I will probably stutter or repeat myself, so you get a second chance to hear me…. And…It is okay to greet me with… WHAT IS SHAKING…?”  Doug is very grateful to have Roberta to push, pull and drag him … he says “she is the best medicine I have.”

Our Rotarian of the week was sponsored into the Club by Carol Rookstool. He cut his Rotary service teeth working on Hal Miller’s district conference committee. Doug served as Roberta’s “first laddie” during her presidency. Roberta and Doug have opened their home to a multitude of people from around the world including Rotary exchange students from France, Norway, Italy and Taiwan.

Doug enjoys skiing, hiking, hunting and fishing. His favorite meal is beer battered halibut with a baked potato.

In recognition of his service to our Club and our Community the Sargent at Arms will present Doug with a Cheyenne Gift Certificate