Mourners have gathered to say farewell to school caretaker Ian Coates who was killed in a horrific knife attack in Nottingham.
A funeral for the father-of-three, 65, was held at the Bramcote Crematorium Serenity Chapel today almost a month on from the attack that also claimed the lives of two university students Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber, both 19.
Flowers that read ‘dad’, ‘gramps’ and ‘grandad’ were left outside after the service to pay tribute to Ian who was described as a ‘pillar of the community’.
Among them was also a note left by Grace’s family which read: ‘For Ian and the Coates’ family. Sending you all our thoughts and prayers.’
Nottingham Forest football shirts and bouquets in the shape of the team’s logo were also left in recognition of Ian’s avid support for the football club.
Mourners have gathered to say farewell to school caretaker Ian Coates who was killed in a horrific knife attack in Nottingham
Flowers that read ‘dad’, ‘gramps’ and ‘grandad’ were left outside after the service at the Bramcote Crematorium Serenity Chapel today
Among them was also a note left by Grace’s family which read: ‘For Ian and the Coates’ family. Sending you all our thoughts and prayers’
Nottingham Forest football shirts and bouquets in the shape of the team’s logo were also left in recognition of Ian’s (pictured) avid support for the football club
Medical student Ms O’Malley-Kumar and history student Mr Webber were found fatally knifed on Ilkeston Road at around 4am on June 13.
Ian was then found stabbed to death in Magdala Road after his van was allegedly stolen.
Valdo Calocane, 31, appeared in the dock at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court last month, flanked by three security officers, charged with triple murderof Ian as well as first-year students Grace and Barnaby.
Calocane is also charged with attempting to murder three pedestrians – Wayne Birkett, Marcin Gawronski and Sharon Miller – after a van drove towards them.
As well as the three fatalities, Marcin Gawronski, Wayne Birkett and Sharon Miller were also injured in the shocking scenes.
Soon after his death, Ian’s family and friends paid tribute at the scene of his murder in Magdala Road, Nottingham.
His son James, 37, left a Forest home shirt, signed with the message: ‘Dad. Taken too soon. Rest in peace. You will be missed. Love you. J x’.
His other son Lee, 36, said at the time the tragedy had ‘rocked everyone’s world’, adding: ‘If we had to think about it, he’d be lying in a bed with us holding his hand, him dying naturally in 20 to 30 years’ time.’
And in another incredibly moving tribute, one of Mr Coates’ grandchildren left a note. Calling him ‘Grandad whiskers’, presumably because of his moustache. The message said: ‘Missed every minute and every hour. We miss you dearly’.
Mourners attended the funeral for the father-of-three, 65, at the Bramcote Crematorium Serenity Chapel today
The bearer party, including the son James Coates (pictured left) carry the coffin into the chapel
Barnaby Webber (pictured left), a gifted cricketer who was in his first year of university, was one of two students killed in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Youth England hockey star Grace O’Malley-Kumar (pictured right) was stabbed to death alongside her friend
Ian worked at the L.E.A.D. Academy Trust and Huntingdon Academy and was due to retire at the end of June.
One colleague wrote: ‘So desperately sad that you didn’t get to enjoy your impending retirement. Rest in peace knowing how highly thought of and loved you clearly were by all that were fortunate to know you’.
Ross Middleton, executive headteacher of the Huntingdon Academy, said: ‘Ian was a much loved colleague who always went the extra mile for the benefit of our children and will be greatly missed.
‘As a school community, it will take time to process this deeply upsetting news.’ Diana Owen, of the Academy Trust, said: ‘I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear about this tragic news.
‘Ian was a beloved and respected member of the Huntingdon Academy staff. My thoughts are with his family and friends.’
Peonies and a note from one Year 4 student left at the scene read: ‘Dear Mr Coates, thank you for rescuing me when I got trapped in the toilet.’.
In a poignant nod to all he had done for thousands of children in the city, she said: ‘Thank you for helping our school. All your hard work paid off. We will miss you’.
Another former student tweeted at the time: ‘He was a legend. One of the nicest guys you’d ever wish to meet, a true gentleman’.
