Wahkiakum Co. Eagle-May 1965 COATES, Melvin Allison Well known Wahkiakum county businessman and Cathlamet area civic leader died while working on Puget Island. He was born in Tacoma, and came to Cathlamet with his family in 1925 when he, his father and brothers purchased the ferries between Cathlamet, Puget Island and Westport. They operated the ferry system until 1932 when they sold the business to the Umpqua Navigation company of Reedsport, Oregon. In 1933 he bought the Cathlamet Market and in 1938 built the cold storage lockers. Ward Holloway purchased the Market in 1944 but Coates kept the locker plant, which became the Wahkiakum Refrigeration company. He started a new enterprise in 1947, that of cattle buying and hauling, out of which he earned the title of "Wahkiakum County's Biggest Bull Shipper." Coates served the community in many capacities. He was a member of the Cathlamet Fire Dept. for 20 years, was a town councilman and held the office of mayor for seven years. He also served years on the school board. He was a member of the Commercial Club, Puget Island Grange, Pentalpha Lodge No. 276, of which he was past master, Wahcoma Chapter No. 226, O.E.S. and served three terms as worthy patron. In 1937 he served with his mother, Mrs. Lilly Coates, in 1940, with his daughter, Ora Lorraine. He was instrumental in the organization of the Cathlamet Rainbow Assembly and served as the first father advisor. Melvin and Ora Wright were married in 1926. They had three children; Shirley Hendrickson, Ora Lorraine Bjorge and Donald M. Coates. Mr. and Mrs. Coates, square dance enthusiasts, belonged to the Wah Kup and Kik Kum square dance club. Survivors include his wife, two daughters, one son and his mother, Mrs. Lilly Coates of Cathlamet and nine grandchildren. Funeral services were held May 5 at the Congregational Church with Rev. David Nelson officiating. Greenwood Cemetery-Cathlamet, Wa. 13 May 1905-02 May 1965 (As transcribed from the Wahkiakum County Historical Societies original newspaper collection in 2005.)