Victor Coats (c1826-1910) of Victor Coats and Co
1910 Obituary.
It with deep regret that we have to announce to-day the death this well-known gentleman, which took place on the 27th inst., at hie residence, Rathmore. Mr. Coates, who was in his eighty-fifth year and had been in failing health the past few years, and for a considerable time he bad been confined to the house. Throughout his illness be received the careful attention of Dr. D. P. Gauseen, but notwithstanding medical skill and loving nursing he had latterly become much feebler, and passed peacefully away late on Wednesday.
The deceased, who was the eldest son the late Mr. William Coates, J.P., Glentoran, Lagan Village, was for many years prominently identified with the commercial life of Belfast the head of the old-established engineering firm of Messrs. Victor Coats & Co. Ltd., which had a world-wide reputation, but in consequence of ill-health he withdrew from active participation in business some fifteen years ago, and the firm had since passed out of existence.
Though naturally deeply interested in all that concerned the welfare of his native city, Mr. Coates never took any prominent part in public affairs. In polities he was staunch Conservative, and was a member of the Church of Ireland, worshipping at the Parish Church as long as the condition of his health permitted him to do so.
His judgment and experience as a business man were highly valued, and for time he rendered excellent service on the directorate of the Great Northern Railway Company and also of the York Street Flax Spinning Company. Ltd., but he had resigned his seats on these important Boards owing to advancing years and growing infirmity.
Formerly he was member the Ulster Club, and in his younger days, being fond of various forms of healthy sport, frequently seen on the hunting field following his favourite pursuits of fishing and shooting.
His kindly and genial disposition endeared him to a large circle of friends and acquaintances, whom his death will sincerely deplored. Mr. Coates, who was a Justice of the Peace and a Deputy-Lieutenant for the County of Antrim, married a daughter the late Mr. Jonathan Richardson, of Lambeg. and he is survived by this lady and by family one daughter — the wife of Major Leather. Middleton Hall, Belford, Northumberland — and five sons, with all of whom much sympathy will be felt in their bereavement. A sixth son — the youngest — Captain Frederick R. Coates, was killed in the South African war.
As will be seen from the announcement in another column the funeral will strictly private.