Bob Coates is truly a local. He was born on September 29, 1937 at the Oakland Maternity Hospital on 14th Street across from the old "Monkey Wards”. He attended Castlemont High in Oakland and acquired his first car, a 1941 Chevrolet convertible.

After graduating in 1955 he attended Laney Trade and Tech in Oakland then began his work career at U.C. Berkeley Lawrence Lab and bought his first 1940 Buick 40 series convertible coupe. He still has this beloved car. In 1961 he took 6 months off from the lab to join the Army National Guard. After returning to the Lab he went into the accelerator group, operating the Hilac Linear accelerator, Bevatron and Cyclotron. He retired in 1998 after 40 years.

Bob’s interest in old cars goes back to high school because he couldn't afford newer ones. Bob particularly likes pre-WW II Buicks and is a third generation Buick owner. Bob's father, Millard loved cars but would never buy a convertible. Bob vowed to only have open cars. Their 1968 Ford Wagon is the only exception. Foreign sports cars and 1960 Ford products are other interests. Bob still has the majority of his cars acquired over the years.

Carol graduated from George Washington in San Francisco in 1961. She joined the Navy the same year and was a member of the Dental Corp. She married and had three children, two daughters and one son.

Bob met Carol in 1970 and they were married in 1974. They have one son

together and have two grandchildren.

Carol has been fortunate to be a “stay-at-home” wife and mom.  The nest is empty but she still has one “overgrown” kid. Carol enjoys cooking which Bob appreciates. She is known for her energy and ability to organize and prepare great food for lots of people.

They have been CHVA members since 1973 (LM53). They are also members of the Buick Club and the ACBS (Antique Classic Boat Society). They enjoy traveling, their second home at Clear Lake, car touring and events, boats and water sports.  They have been on many national tours.  They continue to enjoy vintage cars, wooden boats and mostly each other.

Published in AAN March-April, 2005