The Ed Coates Memorial Foundation has announced a major contribution to two new leadership awards for the University of the Fraser Valley in B.C.,

Ed Coates founded Lordco Auto Parts in 1974 with a modest 900 square foot store in Maple Ridge, BC. Through diligence, commitment to service and knowledge of the industry, Ed quickly established Lordco as BC’s leader for automotive parts and accessories.

The Ed Coates Memorial Foundation (ECMF) was formed by his wife and children after Ed’s sudden passing in February 2014 with the hopes of creating a bold, creative, and inventive organization to carry on his legacy. The Foundation was born through the drive and generosity of Ed Coates. He supported his local community of Maple Ridge and other places across British Columbia in many ways through his business. The impact that Ed had on the community was significant and unforgettable. The Foundation will embody these same principles that Ed lived by each day.

University of Fraser Valley (UFV) Awards

Two new leadership awards have been created by the Ed Coates Memorial Foundation for UFV. The endowed awards will provide $1,500 a year to a student in the Automotive Service Technician program, and another student in the Automotive Collision Repair program.

The ECMF has donated $37,500 to fund the UFV awards which is the largest number to date given by the foundation, and the amount will be matched by UFV.

“In funding these awards, we hope that Ed’s entrepreneurial legacy will live on in the businesses that are founded by individuals who have benefitted from the foundation’s support,” said Candace Gottschalk, Ed’s daughter and VP of Human Resources for Lordco. “Ed was an innovative business leader and born entrepreneur who guided his company through difficult economic times and firmly established Lordco as a leader in the automotive industry.

“We very much appreciate this investment in the future of our automotive students by a foundation that honours Ed Coates, an admired leader in the industry in BC,” – Rolf Arnold, Associate Dean of Applied and Technical Studies at UFV.

Support for The Ed Coates Memorial Foundation will be attained through numerous fundraising initiatives by Lordco Parts Ltd., as well as local community events. The well-known reputation of Lordco in the automotive aftermarket community will aid in building support for the Foundation.

Learn more at   http://edcoatesfoundation.org