John Coates

Arrangements for the funeral of John Coates

Tuesday 15th August 2017 at 12 noon.

Yardley Crematorium, Birmingham

You are invited to attend a service of remembrance and thanksgiving for the life of John. This will be held at Yardley Crematorium at 12 noon.

All are invited back to John’s home in Solihull afterwards to share memories.

John’s family welcome any tributes, words of remembrance and stories about him so do feel free to leave any messages at the bottom of this webpage.

Please share this link with anyone you feel may wish to know about John’s funeral.

Address: Yardley Rd, Birmingham B25 8NA

A map can be found by clicking this link.

Black is not obligatory – wear something you feel comfortable in.

Family flowers only.

If you would like to make a donation in John’s memory there will be a collection to the Brittle Bone Society on the day of the funeral.

Alternatively you can donate online here

12 Comments

Theresa & Peter Ball on 2nd August 2017 at 3:25 pm

A very talented, friendly and gentle Man, we will miss John very much. Our thoughts are with the family and all those who’s lives John touched.
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Claire on 2nd August 2017 at 5:01 pm

You were such a lovely, kind man and a great grandad to all of us. Still can’t quite believe that you’ve gone. You were a talented artist and your passion inspired me. You leave behind two incredible daughters and several grandchildren who love you. Truely missed but never forgotten. Enjoy your time in the stars
Reply
David Ruth and Nathan Watson on 2nd August 2017 at 8:27 pm

A true gentleman, whose smile could light up the room, we only met John a couple of times but he left a lasting impression on us all.
Reply
Sheila & Mick on 6th August 2017 at 8:18 pm

A true gentle man. So many memories about his life & his family.
So caring & talented. An inspiration in so many ways. X
Reply
Frances Coates on 8th August 2017 at 9:55 pm

Rest in peace. My thoughts are with you Caroline and Andrea. Lots of love, cousin Frances xx
Reply
Peter Coates on 9th August 2017 at 9:58 pm

The end of a generation. Thinking of you all at this sad time. Much love, Peter xxXxx
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Gayle on 11th August 2017 at 8:45 am

Only had the pleasure of meeting John once at Camphill, such a kind gentle man. He let me loose with his camera and lenses, so I could see which one I found the easiest to use and ultimately which one to go and buy. May his photographs bring many happy memories to family and friends to get you through your loss.
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Judith Collymore on 13th August 2017 at 2:20 pm

I met Caroline .when we both went to senior school shortly after this I met the rest of this wonderful family. John or should I say Mr Coates, as this was how I always addressed him, was the heart and soul of this family. He loved all things Goon and shared a love of Spike Milligan with my father. He was a talented photographer and encouraged Caroline and I on our many cycling adventures. When I followed in the steps of Andrea and joined the police he was encouraging as Andrea attempted to teach me how to bull a pair of work shoes. For those who don’t understand that is basic spit and polish on toe of shoe to make it glea and can get very messy. I never did fully master the art. A true gentleman and wonderful father he will be missed. Here’s hoping that he and my dad are sharing a dram and talking all things Milligan.
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Allen & Caroline on 13th August 2017 at 4:30 pm

A lovely, gentle and talented man. He will be greatly missed in the art class. Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.
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Sue Dyer on 14th August 2017 at 7:53 am

Uncle John, always so kind and terribly funny with your humour, I don’t think I ever saw you without a big smile on your face and a twinkle in your eyes. Thank you for all your kindness, thank you for giving my Mum away to Dad on their wedding day.
I hope they have more colours than you ever dreamt of in heaven to paint. Love to Andrea, Caroline and the family, I wish I could be there to say goodbye in person. Love you, Sue.
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Anna on 14th August 2017 at 10:12 pm

Such a kind and gentle grandad and great grandad. You were always smiling and we hold such happy memories of you. All our love always; Ian, Anna, Niamh and Dylan xx
Reply
Lorna & Neil on 14th August 2017 at 10:25 pm

Such a happy caring Grandad, we will always be sad that baby Edward didn’t get to meet you, Love Neil & Lorna xx
Reply

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A Natural Undertaking

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14:47 06 Dec 24

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17:23 11 Oct 24

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13:15 08 Mar 24

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17:40 23 Feb 24

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06:00 09 Jan 24

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17:02 07 Jul 23

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07:59 26 Jun 23

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23:19 18 Jun 23

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17:01 12 Mar 23

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00:33 29 Jan 23

I can't thank A Natural Undertaking enough for the incredible job they did with my dad's funeral. They made everything so easy and stress-free for us during such a difficult time. From their compassionate and understanding staff, to the personal touches that were made to our ceremony, it was truly a meaningful experience that we will never forget. I would highly recommend them to anyone who needs help planning a funeral.

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10:47 09 Jan 23

I am so very pleased that we found and chose A Natural Undertaking to arrange mum's funeral service. They were professional, compassionate, supportive and diplomatic throughout and gave good advice. Suzy looked after mum from start to finish and obviously genuinely cares about the service offered. Suzy visited us at home and gave us many helpful ideas and guided us when unsure, making things as easy as possible for us and took a weight off our minds. Equally, their office is light and bright so it did not feel claustrophobic when we had some time sitting with Mum in her casket. The white wicker casket was beautiful and the natural flowers very appropriate.Suzy was easy to contact and responded very quickly to any queries. We chose a white electric hearse which was obviously quiet and reverential.We felt fully supported throughout the whole process and could not have asked for anything more. Thank you so much for offering such a vital service with such compassion at a time when people so need your support.

Linda Marshall

11:07 10 Oct 22

A Natural Undertaking was recommended to me for my husband’s funeral. I am so grateful - my daughter and I were really happy with the care and attention we received from Suzy. Nothing was too much trouble for her, from the first meeting to the day of the funeral. The service turned out to be exactly what we wanted – non-traditional and personal to our family. We received lots of compliments afterwards, so I want to thank them for brilliant organisation and support, helping us through a very difficult time.

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14:44 08 Oct 22

I cannot not recommend A Natural Undertaking highly enough! They have been amazing in helping me organise a truly fitting send off for my mother. Fran has been so helpful, kind, understanding and patient with me whilst I fumbled my way through the (new to me) process of organising a funeral, offering superb advice, guidance and reassurances. Thank you for helping us organise the perfect, personal send off!

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10:47 21 Sep 22

We were so pleased to have found A Natural Undertaking for Mum's funeral which took place this week and would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone. A loved one's funeral is so important and the team were able to help us achieve the personal and relaxed one we had hoped for. Carrie came to meet us to make initial arrangements and that made the process so much easier too. They assisted with choice of celebrant and Kathryn Day was also wonderful, both before and on the day. Their web page link is also such a good way of being able to communicate information to friends and family prior to the funeral. Finally, the little white Nissan Leaf was just the right choice. Thank you again to everyone at A Natural Undertaking.

Andy Gudge

13:49 30 Aug 22

My wife of almost 50 years died quite suddenly at the end of July. A Natural Undertaking was recommended to me and from the first conversation we (my daughter and I) had with them to the exchange of emails after the funeral their professionalism, compassion, kindness and understanding was quite admirable and very touching. I cannot recommend them highly enough.

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15:12 12 Aug 22

It's hard to put into words how highly I can recommend a natural undertaking. Frans calm, reassuring, knowledgeable advice and support helped us on so many levels throughout the whole process after unexpectedly losing my mum. She managed the whole process often prompting me gently and quickly responding to any queries I had. I knew mum was in a calm, respectful, caring place and this meant so much. Thank you x

Khirstie Bromage

19:28 01 Aug 22

I wanted to say thank you for the care , support and compassion when it came to organising our mums celebration of life service in January.You went above and beyond to make sure it was perfect for mum. I can’t thank you enough for the care you showed for our autistic sister.I can’t recommend a natural undertaking enough, arranging a service is so emotional but was made easier by all of you.Mum would have been proud of everything we were able to do for her.Thank you so much.

Imelda Stevens

14:46 26 Jul 22

Fran & her team - what a find! I had a bespoke structure in my mind for my adored husband’s funeral not knowing if some of it would be possible. A Natural Undertaking made it all possible. Their advice, suggestions & overall approach (calm, quiet, compassionate & empathetic without being in the slightest bit obsequious) illustrated the way forward regarding funeral planning without a doubt. Bern’s Celebration of Life was perfect. “The Celebration by which all others will be measured” & “The best funeral I have ever been to” are just two from a large number of similar comments I received during the days that followed his funeral. Their “non corporate” premises provided an intimate & comfortable environment in which to talk about Bern which made us (myself & Bern’s daughter) feel 100% comfortable in the knowledge that he was in good & caring hands & not just a monetary figure on the bottom profit line. Independent & unique - I cannot recommend them highly enough - they were brilliant!

Jane Summerton

14:43 13 Jul 22

Suzie was very helpful and welcoming and made the situation so much more easier than I was expecting, so different from previous experience with other funeral undertakers.The communication between Suzie, Westall Park, the celebrant Jess and the flowers from Carole at the Tuckshop was wonderful and I felt very relaxed about the day.

Jo Southerton

14:43 25 Jun 22

Can 100% recommend A Natural Undertaking. Having no experience with loss they supported me through the whole process with professionalism and sensitivity. They are such kind sincere people who really care about getting it right. Thank you

Suzanne Lazarus

11:18 22 Jun 22

It is difficult to write a review for such a sad and devastating time as the loss of a loved one but I felt it important to do so as this company, and Fran in particular, were invaluable to my family and I during the most difficult time. If this review helps to direct someone else to their service, and their support, then it is worth it. Fran was not only efficient, knowledgeable and practical in all of her help but treated us all with the most dignity and care. I can safely say that if felt like we were being supported by family. Nothing was too much trouble. Home visits really helped my children be involved, and all options were considered to make my husbands send off personalised, warm and filled with love. I cannot thank them enough.

Adam Jo

08:52 13 May 22

Many thanks to Carrie, Fran and their team for arranging my Nan's funeral. As per her wishes, the funeral was traditional and everything was done to the finest detail with nothing being too much trouble. More importantly, they showed a lot of compassion to the family during such a sad time, and we can't thank them enough. Highly recommended.

L C

09:51 21 Feb 22

A pleasure from the very start to have Fran and Susie in support. We had a calm, quiet approach to the funeral planning, really good advice on all fronts - especially celebrants, venues and much more - which resulted in a sad yet joyous occasion as we said goodbye to Sylvia. This seemed just right for us, a fitting send off and some marvellous memories. This is the way ahead for the funerals and we thoroughly recommend.

wendy beddows

12:51 17 Dec 21

We lost our 30 year old son to a motorbike accident in September and our World fell apart. It was a family member who recommended A Natural Undertaking and I'm so glad she did. Carrie was amazing, so understanding and caring. Nothing was ever to much trouble. Our sons funeral was a very unique one, we tried to do what we thought he would have wanted. It was so difficult trying to think about a decision when your going through the worst time in your life but Carrie made it so much easier. We would recommend A Natural Undertaking 100% they are simply the best.

S J Knight

21:36 11 Nov 21

Carrie & the team at A Natural Undertaking are just absolutely amazing. They conducted my brothers funeral with extremely sincere thoughts, pride & dignity. My brother was a young man when he passed away so needed something to reflect this within his funeral. A Natural Undertaking put us in touch with people to make this unique to him and the send off he deserved, even under strict covid restrictions.I cannot thank the team enough 🙏🏻Sarah Knight

Matthew Ingram

12:49 09 Sep 21

Natural Undertaking organised both my Mum's and Dad's funeral. With my Mum's (2018) they helped my Dad organise a very personal funeral that aligned with my parent's beliefs and wishes. When my dad passed (2021), we returned to natural to have as similar service as possible.For both occasions they provided a friendly, compassionate service to help create a celebration of a person's life. They help you understand the options and provide the information you need to create the service you wish to make for your loved one. They are always on hand if you need to make changes or ask questions. I thank Carrie, Roxy, Fran and the rest of their team for all they did for my parents. I would not hesitate to recommend them.

Sandra Yates

08:37 28 Aug 21

So glad we found a natural undertaking.In such a difficult time it was lovely to find such professional and caring people.Carrie & Fran listened to our wishes and did exactly what we wanted. They found us David the lovely vicar, who, also was caring and compassionate.After, everyone commented on how smooth things went, and how the day was memorable.This was an indication of how good a natural undertaking are, and, it gave us comfort to know that we made the right decision in choosing them.Highly recommended. Five Stars

Tania Khanahmadi

10:25 26 Jul 21

An amazing and unique service, so glad we found them!When our mum died, we didn't want a typical funeral. We didn't know what we wanted, but the cliche "celebration of life" was closer to what we wanted than anything else.Carrie was absolutely amazing. We knew straight away we wanted them after the initial sympathetic conversation.Carrie is so loving, passionate, caring and helpful. Nothing is too much, she does so much and makes it all look effortless.She told us we could have whatever we wanted and she helped us give our mum a loving and simple ceremony, with personal touches our mum would have loved, that involved and included all the people she cared about and who cared about her.Carrie feels more like a friend or a member of the family. She is a beautiful person with a heart of gold, knowledgable and so good at what she does.Thank you so much Carrie and your fabulous team!Tania & Helen

David Hitchman

11:30 24 Apr 21

We contacted Fran and Carrie after looking at their website. They were very responsive and were happy to make their service fit in with what we wanted for our daughter. Perhaps more importantly, we had confidence that they would properly look after our daughters body. The death of a loved one is always upsetting, but Fran and Carrie and their team made the process easier and made little suggestions along the way which really helped. Our experience of using A Natural Undertaking was a positive one and one that we would recommend to others.

Ray King

04:55 23 May 20

I cannot speak highly enough of A Natural Undertaking. Fran and her whole team provide a very professional and efficient service with the care and compassion which is so important at a time of grief. In such a difficult time of the Covid pandemic, this especially more stressful experience was made easier by their very personal care.

Jamal Shabba

13:43 26 Mar 20

Truly a remarkable company to use for such a horrible time. Their knowledge of the industry provides a lot of comfort and are very willing and happy to move to in keep with requests. Would recommend them to anyone that should ever have the misfortune of needing them. They genuinely turn a horrible situation into the event the deceased would want it to be.

Chris Hallmark

08:38 07 Mar 20

Carrie and Fran have built a business that feels genuinely different. They were warm, friendly and very responsive. They wanted to help us create the funeral that was right for our family, and to remember Dad in our warm and slightly quirky way. They even indulged us with the custard jokes. I cannot recommend them more highly and wish them every success with their alternative take on remembrance.

Gillian Washington

18:06 29 Jan 20

A Natural Undertaking is an undertakers with a difference. No stuffy offices with men in black suits. Just lovely helpful and caring people. Lots of choices were available and nothing was too much trouble. We did not feel pressurised or rushed into making decisions. Our whole experience was dealt with total empathy and efficiency. Would highly recommend them. Definitely 5 stars.

Amanda Smart

18:50 20 Jan 20

We were so thankful for all that Carrie, Zed and Fran did to help us through the period following the devastation of Oliver's death. The sense that they really empathised with the pain of what we were going through and their way of guiding us, while encouraging us to do what was most helpful and most reflected Oliver's life was so empowering. You can't re-do a funeral! It was so important to us that it was 'right' and they made that easier at a time when we were struggling to think clearly. The service they provided was so personal and sensitive. Thank you!

James MacLaren

16:04 11 Dec 19

Carrie, Fran and everyone at A Natural Undertaking were fantastic in arranging my Mum's funeral. Carrie was keen right from the start to make sure that everything was just so, despite the fact that we were working on a budget. Everything was clear and well explained (in fact, from beginning to end, communication was exemplary). Fran was fantastic in putting together the order or service as well. They communicated with all of the relevant parties, such that everything came together seamlessly.I hope that I never need to, but if I need to arrange a funeral again, I won't hesitate to give them a call.

Elizabeth Logan

06:40 12 Nov 19

I can't speak highly enough of Carrie, Fran and the entire Natural Undertaking team. Their compassion and professionalism were outstanding. The funeral and the celebration of life for my Father-in-Law were just what he and the family wanted, we couldn't have asked for better. The Natural Undertaking team were there for us from the start, from their calm reception area to their suggestions for flowers, locations and support with all those little details - they just smoothed the way. I would recommend them in a heartbeat.

Rachel Gregory

06:45 12 Oct 19

Absolutely wonderful company. Understood our family’s wishes completely. Ethical and their pricing is incredibly fair. Thank you so much for making a difficult time much easier for us.

Rachel Plant

11:40 08 Oct 19

From start to finish Carrie, Fran and zed were the most wonderful undertakers we could have asked for. They were so much more than just funeral directors, they were supportive, respectful and inspiring. Our family had an idea of what we wanted for Holly's funeral and everyone at A Natural Undertaking helped guide us with her wishes. Holly wanted a natural burial and it was in her quirky nature to have a creative and diverse farewell which is exactly what she got.Death and grief is extremely hard especially when a loved one is so young. We felt like we had an opportunity to help others through this process as a result of everything they had to offer us. Our family, our children & friends were all involved (as per our wishes) thanks to the huge effort and organisation of these wonderful people at A Natural Burial.Thank you so much for everything you did for Holly and family. We will hold you in our hearts forever x

Lisa Small

09:19 02 Jul 19

From our first meeting with Fran to the day of our son's funeral, we were treated with care, empathy, dignity and understanding. The whole team at A Natural Undertaking, Fran, Zed and Carrie, paid attention to the smallest of details in the planning of his funeral, carefully explaining everything to us in a way which was clear but sensitive. Their handling of the arrangements ensured that he had a beautiful and fitting send off. We could not have been given a better level of care, and we would highly recommend them to anyone who wants to give their loved one a unique, individually tailored farewell.

Linda Higgins

18:07 06 May 19

We would like to congratulate Fran and Cassie for looking after our dear friend Joan.From the start to finish the care, kindness and attention to detail was second to non. We were given help and support with all the arrangements and we felt that the stress, of loosing a loved one so suddenly, had been taken off our shoulders. They helped to turn the day into a wonderful tribute to Joan.We would highly recommend this wonderful service!

Chris Lee

15:50 15 Apr 19

The service provided by a Natural Undertaking was perfect.Fran and Carrie advised and guided us through both the process and the decisions that we needed to make for my father’s funeral with thought and understanding. They advised us what was possible and made constructive suggestions without pressure. They then calmly undertook the organisation of the service itself with calm efficiency despite late inputs from ourselves. The resulting service was both personal and appropriate to say goodbye to my father from myself, our family and his friends.I was specifically appreciated that Carrie found time to discuss in general the workings of the undertaking business which one at other times have little time or inclination to investigate. It certainly helped me during this time.I whole heartedly recommend this company.

Jane Arstall

17:19 14 Apr 19

Carrie and Fran are amazing! Nothing is too much trouble for them and they go the extra mile to make sure that people get exactly the funeral they want. We had a big funeral at Cambridge Road Methodist Church and wanted to use a YouTube clip of my husband playing the Birmingham Town Hall organ which had been his special 60th birthday treat. Carrie managed to arrange an audio clip so that everyone heard Mark playing at his own funeral, which made the service really special. I know Mark would have loved the service. Thanks Carrie and Fran - I would recommend you to anyone.

Kamala Kay Mann

05:50 09 Apr 19

Carrie and Frances bought a heart centred approach to a very sad and difficult time with the death of my brother. They organised the funeral in a week and it ran so seemlessly, so smoothly that the image I get when summing up how I feel about their services is a beautiful Swan gently gliding through water. Thier compassion, kindness and ability to listen, guide and respond softens my heart as I write this. Their attention to detail and having everything covered was such a massive weight off the family’s shoulders. We felt completely held. It seems strange to write this but they were a breath of fresh air to what is in essence is a very difficult time. Thank you so much Carrie and Frances - just like Swans gliding through water, you made a very difficult time seem like a heart centred natural undertaking. K Mann

Giles Darby

13:40 19 Feb 19

Professional, sensitive, efficient and compassionate from start to finish. Their personal, alternative and fresh approach was exactly what we wanted yet without compromising all the finer arrangement details, which were dealt with perfectly. I can’t recommend them highly enough at what is always a difficult time.

Mike Abrams

17:59 30 Dec 18

A Natural Undertaking were recommended to us following the death of my wife, by a friend who had used them previously. From our first meeting, we felt we were in good hands with a team that could talk us through the complexities of the arrangements and discuss the range of options available to us in a personal and very caring way. Working together we planned a service that included a number of unique elements that reflected the exceptional individual who sadly we were having to lay to rest. On the day, the arrangements worked perfectly and the feedback from friends and relatives who attended has been very positive. I am so glad we worked with A Natural Undertaking - we received a very personal and caring service and the whole team were a pleasure to deal with.

Simon Wilkes

15:16 20 Dec 18

As a family we decided to go forward with a direct cremation and hold our own service outside a church environment. Even though this was with our fathers wishes it is sometimes easy to think you must follow the 'traditional' route. Fran & Carrie were both supportive in helping us ensure the day was the right mix of sadness and celebration. It was the little caring things which made the difference. So if you want the right service without feeling you are still in the 1950s then Natural Undertaking will provide a first class service whether its a simple option like ours or a full bespoke option.

Nerina Villa

11:02 20 Sep 18

Right from my first phone call Fran at A Natural Undertaking was amazing. She was kind, warm and comforting at a time when that is exactly what you need. She gave me wonderful advice and made sure that we were able to create the most wonderful, individual funeral for my mum that still makes me smile when I think of it. They were there at every step of the way with support, advice and practical help. Thank you so much.

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Unattended Cremation: £1,595
Simple Cremation / Burial: £2,185
Creative Funeral: £1,745 plus options

(The above are our fees only – other fees apply)
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John Coates

Arrangements for the funeral of John Coates

Tuesday 15th August 2017 at 12 noon.

Yardley Crematorium, Birmingham

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John Coates

Arrangements for the funeral of John Coates

Tuesday 15th August 2017 at 12 noon.

Yardley Crematorium, Birmingham

12 Comments

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Recent Posts

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Reviews on Google

Our Prices

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