Loyal, funny and friendly Ronnie was a vital cog at Bray Wheelers
BRAY Wheelers cycling club has paid tribute to the late Ronnie Coates, ‘one of their most loyal and admired members’.
Ronnie died last month, peacefully, after a short illness, in the excellent care of the Beacon Hospital and with his family by his side.
His is survived by his wife Lilian, children Peter and Susan, grandson Christopher, and siblings Wendy and Ted, as well as his relatives and many friends.
Ronnie joined Bray Wheelers in the 1950s along with his brother Ted and he was actively involved with the club at every event throughout his life. He was much adored by all members, young and old alike, and was passionate about cycling.
In his early days in the club, Ronnie proudly raced in the Bray colours country wide. Taking part in races such as the Jack Woodcock Memorial in the Phoenix Park and his favourite race, the Dun Laoghaire GP, he quickly progressed to stage racing and was the first Bray Wheeler to take part in the Tour of Ireland.
Apart from open racing, Ronnie loved every other aspect of cycling with the Bray Wheelers. Club racing leagues and enjoying the banter afterwards in the clubhouse were a compulsory part of the week.
He also loved nothing more than just riding his bike and touring around the country, with some of his most loved tours around Kerry and west Cork. He knew every road in Wicklow and Dublin and wouldn’t miss a weekend of spinning somewhere.
It was through cycling that Ronnie met and married the love of his life, Lillian. Denis Noonan, who was dating Lillian’s sister, introduced Ronnie to her and, as they say, the rest is history. From then on, you rarely saw one without the other.
After his racing days, and with a microphone in hand, Ronnie was totally at home and in his element doing MC at many events.
A Bray jersey, even in the largest of crowds, would never escape Ronnie and within seconds the focus would be on the Bray rider and always with a blast of comedy and a story to accompany it.
Humour and light heartedness were always added to any event that Ronnie attended. Doing MC for the Tour de France sportive in 1998 was an honour for both Ronnie and Bray Wheelers and came so naturally to him.
Prize presentations were always great events, as Ronnie would know everyone and would never fail in having something funny but positive to say in a very encouraging way.
In 2008, Ronnie became president of the club and certainly did the job very proud. He never had a bad word to say about anyone nor them about him and was a true gent at all times.
An equal passion in life was Ronnie’s love of music. He was a member of the Guinness Jazz Band from a very young age.
He played the banjo and guitar most expertly and was at his best on stage entertaining. He played at many events nationwide including the Phoenix Park horse races, the Kingston and Sachs Hote.
He supported many charity events with the band, playing at the parish fete in Glenageary and in Bray and Dalkey, raising money for Cancer Support and the Laura Lynn Foundation. The Glenview Hotel was also one his favourite venues and where he did many a gig, enjoying each and every one like it was the first.
While cycling and music were two of Ronnie’s passions his biggest one was his family and the thought of his friends are very much with Lillian, Peter, Susan, Christopher and extended family members.
The world is truly at a huge loss without Ronnie. He was the life and soul of every event he attended and a natural entertainer.
You will be sadly missed Ronnie. Rest well and never stop smiling.
Remembered always by Bray Wheelers Cycling Club.