The Legacy of Dudley W. Coates

A Shining Example of Generosity For more than 30 years, Mr. Coates and his wife Beverly, have been compassionate philanthropists, contributing to the Cancer Center’s mission by supporting the annual giving program, Take the Fight Forward major gift initiative and the endowment as members of the Lipsey Legacy Society. Many people walking through the main entrance of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center will notice the Coates Entry Pavilion, recognizing their transformational Take the Fight Forward gift. In Appreciation In honor of Mr. and Mrs. Coates’ and the family’s love of country and state, their daughters, Cathy, Holly and Camille, chose the Cancer Center flag pole as a naming opportunity for their parents through their own Take the Fight Forward donation. The inaugural flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol on August 3, 2015 before being raised at the Cancer Center on October 13, 2015. In 2012, Mr. Coates was recipient of the prestigious Hillar C. Moore Jr. Outstanding Volunteer Award, recognizing his unique service contributions to the Cancer Center.

“My father believed in Baton Rouge and wanted it to have the best future possible. He felt that a premier cancer center was an important part of our community,” said Cathy Coates. “We have heard from people near and far who were influenced by my father’s help, advice and friendship. It has made our family unbelievably proud.”

A Gift for All Time Mr. Coates served as a leader in the community in many ways and was a positive influence on everyone with whom he interacted. He served Baton Rouge, the place he called home since 1959, passionately and diligently, and believed that everyone should be involved in making society better in some way. Through his life-long philosophy of helping others, his generosity and kindness will live on through his family and many others for years to come. On behalf of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s board of directors, volunteers, physicians and team members, we extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Coates’ family. Mr. Coates’ legacy of improving survivorship and lessening the burden of cancer will live on for generations.