Born in Baltimore on Aug. 12, 1960, Vince is also survived by his father, Richard Coates, and three brothers, John, Samuel and Matthew Coates. Other family members include his half sister, Vickie Pauley, his step sister Stacy Salisbury, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his mother, Willa Mina Cassell.

Vince is remembered by many, many friends and colleagues whose lives he touched with his always optimistic and accepting spirit and his passion for laughter, art, sport, writing and adventure. His creativity was boundless, as was his desire to share his passions with people all over the earth. His many poems and his artwork were inspirational to a global community, but he especially delighted in his relationships with friends in Bulgaria, where he had traveled four times, and Belgium, where he traveled in 2014. He loved his frequent travels with his family, including special times spent in Asheville, NC. He was extremely proud of his children and being with them and Patricia was his fondest activity of all.

Vince had a large impact in Frederick because of his 30-year career at Scott Key Center, finding and supporting employment for adults with disabilities. Starting as a teenager, Vince found his calling as an advocate for people with disabilities and never wavered in his commitment to these individuals who he greatly respected. In recent years, Vince found great meaning and joy in being a mentor to more than 30 college and high school students who learned much from him while interning at Scott Key Center.

Lifelong education was also one of Vince’s passions. He had two Master’s Degrees and had just enrolled in a Master’s program in Counseling when he became ill. Swimming-especially open water swimming, including two swims across the Chesapeake Bay-and cycling were also passions of his, and he was instrumental in the volunteer management of the Clover Hill neighborhood pool for eight summers. He had completed his last Tour de Frederick bicycle ride just before his diagnosis.

In addition to his beloved family and his many friends, Vince leaves behind a large body of artistic work, including poetry, paintings, sculpture, and the “Umbrella Project,” an effort which he used to harness the power of friendship to meet and connect with people anywhere on the globe. He authored several books of art and poetry and delighted in his studio, art shows, poetry readings and being an active member of the Frederick arts community.

Vince wanted all those who knew him to know that his journey has not completely ended; it’s just time to join him on another adventure somewhere.

For those wishing to honor Vince, memorial donations may be made to a newly-created Vince Coates Memorial Fund for Student Interns at Hood College. Contributions can be sent to: Office of Institutional Advancement, Hood College, 401 Rosemont Ave., Frederick, MD 21701. A fund has also been established in his name for the upkeep and maintenance of the Clover Hill pool. Contributions can be made out to the Clover Hill Pool and mailed to the Clover Hill Civic Association, PO Box 1429, Frederick, MD 21702.