Alan Roger Coates (27 Apr 1947 - 28 Apr 2019)

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Location
Southend Crematorium 654 Sutton Road Southend on Sea SS2 5PX
Date
31st May 2019
Time
1.40pm
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Location
The Westcliff Hotel Westcliff Parade Westcliff on Sea SS0 7QW
Date
31st May 2019
Time
2.30pm

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In loving memory of Alan Roger Coates who sadly passed away on 28th April 2019 after his 7-year battle with cancer.

Alan was a fun loving and larger than life character in more ways than one! He was a loving husband to his wife, Sally, father of 2 sons, Steven and Mark, grandfather to Keaton, Holly, Louis, Evie May and Preston, and daddy to his 5 cats, Nelson, Tfor, Onyx, Penny and Tiga. He was a mine of knowledge and was always happy to help anybody in need, whether a friend or stranger.

Alan was born in Luton, Bedfordshire in 1947 where he spent a happy childhood and his early adult life. After not quite making it as a professional football player, he took up an apprenticeship at Vauxhall Motors as an electrical engineer followed by contract work with numerous companies including the Ministry of Defence. Alan and his first wife, Yvonne, had 2 sons, Steven, who was born in 1974, and Mark, who was born in 1977.

After the breakdown of his marriage, Alan moved to South Africa where he worked for Siemens, travelling around South Africa as well as the occasional trip to Germany. Alan spent 17 happy years in South Africa where he made his home, along with his horse and dogs, discovering his love of BBQs, lawn bowls and making lasting friendships. After getting his private pilot’s license in the UK, Alan also carried on flying whenever he had the chance and eventually bought a plane with his best buddy, Ray, which he sadly never got to fly.

Alan eventually moved to Swaziland where he started his own stand-by power company. There he discovered scuba diving and boats and although he suffered from sea sickness, he bought a boat and got his skipper’s license and spent many a weekend partying and taking out his fishing buddies along with the inevitable hangovers!

While in Swaziland Alan met and married his wife of 24 years, Sally. They then spent the next few years travelling with Sally's job, taking time out to visit friends and family in far flung countries. This was followed by Alan going solo to Afghanistan, his last job before he finally retired. They eventually moved to Cyprus where Alan discovered his love of cats! After saying he would never have a cat, Alan ended up with 5, not being able to say no when another stray turned up on the doorstep! Alan was lucky to be able to split his time between the UK and Cyprus with the inevitable trips back to South Africa.

Alan was a big fan of sports including football, squash, tennis, flying, model planes, lawn bowls, formula one, super bikes and snooker. In his early years Alan played football and squash which progressed to tennis, and his love of lawn bowls began in South Africa/Swaziland. As with everything he tried, in true Alan spirit, although he loved to win, he was happiest just playing and having fun and, of course, entertaining his fellow players. In his later years Alan’s interests changed slightly. The football playing ceased and he took to watching football on TV, especially his beloved Manchester United.

His love of Lambretta’s started in the 60's when he was a mod with as many mirrors as he could possibly fit on his scooter! Then in the last few years he took up the task of renovating them, leaving Sally with 3 Lambretta's, one completed, one almost completed and one in bits!

Although he stopped flying them, his love of planes carried on in the form of models and he recently joined the Southend model plane flying club and had his spitfire and trainer all set to go.

Alan loved to cook, from his BBQ days in South Africa/Swaziland to his famous full English and Xmas dinners of late, he was happiest when he was entertaining his guests. He was a natural performer, full of humour and wonderful stories.

Alan’s one regret was that he didn’t meet his wife, Sally, earlier in his life!

Offline donation: Service Collection donated in memory of Alan
Offline donation: Service Collection donated in memory of Alan
Trevor & Lesley Dellar donated £30 in memory of Alan

Just for you Sparky

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Czeslawa Marianna Thomson posted a picture
Our circle of friends xxx

Our circle of friends xxx

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Czeslawa Marianna Thomson posted a picture
Alan, Maureen & Peter in Accra 2001

Alan, Maureen & Peter in Accra 2001

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The Shirt and Mustafa at the bowling alley in Accra

The Shirt and Mustafa at the bowling alley in Accra

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Czeslawa Marianna Thomson wrote

Dear Sally,
Bill and I were really sorry to hear about Alan’s passing. We had a pleasure of having you and Alan aka The Shirt as our friends in Ghana. Alan’s breakfast at BHC became legendary and was not to be missed. I am greatly indebted to Alan for introducing me to Don Pedro during one of our many social outings. I will always think of Alan whenever this great drink is mentioned.
The Shirt always had a story or a scam to share with everybody. It was a pleasure and fun to be in his company.
He liked to think that he was the better Ten Pin Bowler than the rest of the crowd he played with. He probably was but we just did not want to tell him that. We are sure that his playing and cooking skills will be appreciated wherever he is.
We are thinking of you in this difficult time. Keep strong and hold on to the memories.
Love,
Bill aka Mustafa & Trish
xxx

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  • Lovely message and photos guys. Thank you so much for the happy memories and looking forward to catching up with you in the not too distant future. Much love, Sally xxx

    Posted by Sally on 30/05/2019 Report abuse
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Czeslawa Marianna Thomson donated in memory of Alan

In loving memory of Alan Cotes. You are missed.

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Czeslawa Marianna Thomson posted a picture
Sally and Allan enjoying each other's company

Sally and Allan enjoying each other's company

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Czeslawa Marianna Thomson wrote

Dear Sally,
Bill and I were really sorry to hear about Alan’s passing. We had a pleasure of having you and Alan aka The Shirt as our friends in Ghana. Alan’s breakfast at BHC became legendary and was not to be missed. I am greatly indebted to Alan for introducing me to Don Pedro during one of our many social outings. I will always think of Alan whenever this great drink is mentioned.
The Shirt always had a story or a scam to share with everybody. It was a pleasure and fun to be in his company.
He liked to think that he was the better Ten Pin Bowler than the rest of the crowd he played with. He probably was but we just did not want to tell him that. We are sure that his playing and cooking skills will be appreciated wherever he is.
We are thinking of you in this difficult time. Keep strong and hold on to the memories.
Love,
Bill aka Mustafa & Trish
xxx

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Vanessa Boissinot wrote

I miss out chats over the wall, I will miss hearing you describe how you cooked Christmas dinner for all your friends in Cyprus, I will miss the way you talked about Sally and how much you loved her, to me you weren't just a neighbour but a friend.

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  • Beautiful xx

    Posted by Sally on 25/05/2019 Report abuse
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Sally Coates posted a picture
Alan Xmas special

Alan Xmas special

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  • So funny, so Alan

    Posted by Vanessa on 25/05/2019 Report abuse
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Pam Squire is attending the funeral
mick & julie ward/wilson donated in memory of Alan
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mick & julie ward/wilson wrote

Sally, so sorry to hear of the sad loss of Alan,our thoughts are with you. Thinking of Alan brings back so many fun memories of our time in Ghana (one of which was the goat story!) Those times lead us to form a lasting friendship.There are too many stories to write here but they will never be forgotten. We remember the wonderful Christmas we spent with you in Cyprus and your visit to Norfolk.

With Love

Mick and Jules xx

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David & Suzanne Hartley is attending the funeral
Mick and Jules Ward wrote

All our thoughts are with you Sally, we have such wonderful memories of Alan from our time together in Ghana, that formed a lasting friendship back in the UK and a very fun filled Christmas in Cyprus.
so many stories,(the goat in Ghana) Alan always made us smile. Sally, we are here if you need us.
Love Mick and Jules xx

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Veronica Izzard wrote

Our thoughts are with you Sally. We only met him once and we had such a fun time together. The world needs more people like Alan, and may you stay strong in spirit too.





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Peter &jackie Coates donated £50 in memory of Alan

In memory of a great man who I was proud to call him my cousin,god bless you . Love from peter&jackie

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Peter &jackie Coates wrote

In memory of a great man who was my cousin. god bless you .love peter& jackie

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Pamela Squires donated £52.50 in memory of Alan
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John Davis donated in memory of Alan
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John Davis is attending the funeral
Sally Coates posted a picture
St Paddy Alan 2010

St Paddy Alan 2010

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Aggie Flynn wrote

My love and thoughts are with you Sally and the rest of the family. Cherish the memories you have that will last forever . I’m hear if you ever need me. Lots of love Aggie Xx😘

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  • Thank you Aggie. So very much appreciated. Lots of love xx

    Posted by Sally on 16/05/2019 Report abuse
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Sally Coates posted a picture
Alan singing in the pub at the old Victorian village in Ironbridge 2013

Alan singing in the pub at the old Victorian village in Ironbridge 2013

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Sally Coates posted a picture
Happy Cyprus pic

Happy Cyprus pic

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Sharon Henty wrote

Big hugs 🤗 and prayers 🙏🏻 for you Sally, and all Alan’s family. So glad you both made it to Palm Beach on your World travels. My door is always open if you ever find yourself out this way again. Meantime, very happy you are able to cherish every memory of your one and only 💕🥰 - lots of love Sharon and Breana.

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  • Thank you for your kind thoughts Sharon. So very much appreciated. Lots of love xxx

    Posted by Sally on 15/05/2019 Report abuse
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Sharon Henty lit a candle
Mick & Christine Tyrrell is attending the funeral