Christopher Jon Coate

Christopher Jon Coate, 38, beloved son, brother, uncle and Star Wars fan, succumbed to liver failure on Sunday, November 15, 2020, surrounded by his family.

Chris was born in Boise on September 2, 1982, graduated from Capital High School in 2000, and worked at Albertsons and Target stores throughout the Treasure Valley while cheering on the BSU Broncos for various sporting events. Chris was born with one hand, a trait for which he was given his nickname “Lefty”. He enjoyed making up sensational stories about how he “lost his left hand” when introduced to new friends, i.e. like in a “tragic petting zoo accident”. With his jovial, outgoing spirit, Chris made friends everywhere he was; from Camp Crescendo to Boise State tailgate events. Other pastimes and hobbies included singing karaoke, playing Dungeons and Dragons, following Star Wars events and trivia, reading and writing children’s fantasy literature, and all things musical.

Growing up, Chris spent the summers playing kick-the-can with his sister, Nicole, and lifelong friends, Nathan and Chad Boyer. He spent the Spring and Fall playing soccer, where he made other lifelong friends. Chris’ biggest passion in life was certainly music! He was involved in various choirs and Boise Music Week productions throughout his childhood. His soccer coaches and music teachers had a huge impact on his life.

Sunday evenings were always reserved for dinner at Grandma’s. Chris loved spending the evening playing with his cousins, chatting with his aunts and uncles, and eating dinner. November was filled with preparing a Thanksgiving Concert with the older cousins, “The Bigs” and helping the younger cousins “The Littles” with their performance. Christmas was his favorite holiday, and he enjoyed waking up early to open presents with his family and Aunt Jill Slansky, who flew in every year for the holiday. This was another occasion for spending the day with family at Grandma’s.

Chris was a friend to everyone. He was a great listener and accepting of people, regardless of their differences or beliefs. He genuinely wanted everyone he knew to be happy. He had a quirky sense of humor, quoted movies all the time and loved making people laugh. He enjoyed helping his mom with the garden veggies and cooking gourmet meals for others to enjoy with him. In his spare time he was often writing his book, catching up on his favorite shows and sports or reading a good book.

He is survived by his parents, Jon E. and Roxanne R. Coate of Boise; grandmother, Carol R. Coate of Boise; sister and brother-in-law, Nicole and Trent Becker of Twin Falls; his five nieces and nephews, Ila, Chessidy, Adorae, Livingstone and Steadfast; many cousins, aunts and uncles; and his cat, Orion. He was preceded in death by grandparents, Fred M. and Charlotte R. Hamlet, and Jon M. Coate.

His family has elected to postpone the memorial service until springtime to align his burial with the planting of a memorial tree. More information will be available to family members and friends prior to May the 4th. Funeral home arrangements have been made through Cloverdale Funeral Home. To make a contribution to the planting of his tree, deposits can be made at Capital Educators Credit Union under the account “Chris Lefty Coate Memorial” or through Venmo App, @Roxanne-Coate. Chris’ family extends their deep gratitude for the many fond memories and messages shared on Chris’ behalf during his hospitalization and upon his passing. Chris would want to leave you all with this: May the force be with you!