‘He was a powerful and inimitable force in business’
‘AN INSPIRATION’ is how Derek Coates has been described as tributes to the founder of Healthspan were paid yesterday following his death at the age of 72.
Many people took to Twitter to express their sadness at his passing, including past and present States members.
Condor CEO Paul Luxon, formerly a deputy, summed up Mr Coates in a few words: ‘Powerful energy business life-force and great lover of life,’ he said. ‘Safe journey DC.’
‘He was a businessman with determination to get things done. RIPDerek,’ wrote Home Affairs committee president Mary Lowe.
Deputy managing director of JT Guernsey Tamara O’Brien previously worked for Healthspan: ‘Very sad to hear the news about Derek Coates; my boss, co-director, mentor, friend for 10 years and a powerful and inimitable force in business,’ she said.
‘My thoughts are with his children Jake, Tim, Bea and Jack. RIP Derek, I hope Healthspan thrives on in your name.’
Local photographer Chris George also expressed his condolences to Mr Coates’ family.
He said he first met Mr Coates in the early 1990s when Mr Coates was running an agency called Harpwell Design in Bosq Lane, St Peter Port: ‘Derek was a man whose glass was not only full, it was over-brimming,’ he said.
Guernsey Chamber of Commerce paid tribute to Mr Coates’ ‘huge contribution’ to the island’s business community, particularly in the hospitality and travel sector.
‘His entrepreneurial spirit was an inspiration to many and his kind and friendly support to many was greatly appreciated,’ said a Chamber statement.
‘He will be sadly missed. Our thoughts go to his family at this sad time.’
Institute of Directors chairman John Clacy said he would be one of many who would miss Mr Coates: ‘He brought so much passion, can-do and investment to the Bailiwick and was also the very best of company,’ he wrote on Twitter.
Mr Coates set up Healthspan in 1996, but from there he went on to become involved in the island’s travel and hospitality industry.
He bought the Rockhopper airline in 2004, which was rebranded as Blue Islands two years later.
Through Healthspan, Mr Coates bought the old Fermain and La Favorita Hotels in 2006, following the formation of the Vista Hotels Group three years earlier. These were relaunched collectively as Fermain Valley Hotel.
He also bought Braye Bay Hotel in Alderney and the Sunnycroft Hotel in Guernsey, which was renovated and became the boutique hotel Ziggurat.
