BARRE Clifton T. Coates 81, of Waterman Street in East Barre, passed away April 22, 2018 at Central Vermont Hospital, Berlin with his family at his bedside. Born on October 6, 1936 in Montpelier, VT, he was the son of Francis Carlisle Coates and Marie (Couture) Coates. He graduated from St. Michaels High School and was a full time Fireman at the Montpelier Fire Department. He served in the Vermont National Guard. He went to work at the State of Vermont Highway Department and was Foreman of District 6 and had a career of 30-years. Cliff married Phyllis Spargo Houle on August 17, 1963 at St. Augustines Church, Montpelier and lived in Montpelier on lower Main Street and upper Elm Street until retirement. They moved to Waterman Street in East Barre where he lived out the rest of his life. Cliff enjoyed everything outdoors to working on cars, mowing lawns (even the neighbors) and building things with his kids. He love to socialize with everyone, he could strike up a conversation with a complete stranger and talk to them for hours. He enjoyed being with his children and watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up. He was proud of being a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. As his children would say he was the best dad in the world. Survivors include his wife, Phyllis of 53-years. His children, Rene C. Houle (Susan) of Montpelier, Jo-Ellen Buck (Peter) of Randolph Center, Glenn Coates (Tina) of Barre Town and Jeffrey Coates (Laura) of Montpelier. He leaves 9-grandchildren Kimberly Parrott, Jonathan Houle, Andrew and Erin Commo, Kaitlyn, Lexis and Kaydence Coates, Emily and Evan Coates and 5 great-grandchildren Jacob and Lucas Parrott and Addyson, Aubrey and Ayvah Commo and a new great-grandson on the way. He is predeceased by his parents, his brother Carlisle J. (Mike) Coates and his sister Carlene Marie Coates. He is predeceased by his son Todd Coates. The family would like to thank the staff at Central Vermont Medical Center and Mayo Rehab for the exceptional care and support they provided to Cliff and the family. Arrangements are by Guare and Sons, 30 School Street, Montpelier, VT. Calling Hours will be held from 6-8:00 pm on Tuesday, May 8th at the Guare & Sons Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held 1:00 pm on Thursday, May 10th at the Hope Cemetery in Barre. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society, 55 Day Lane, Williston, VT 05495 or the American Heart Association, 110 Main St, #2C, Burlington, VT 05401. Those who wish to express online condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com.