There were many strands to John’s life – family, business, and sport aplenty whether playing rugby, shooting, cricket or, in later years, golf and cruising down the Trent in his beloved motor boat…
Here Nick Maltby from the club’s golfing society looks back on the sporting times of JC…
John may have likened himself, jokingly, to ‘Gareth’ Coles, scrum-half, but his skills didn't stop there, and few of us who played in the rugby club’s Cricket Section will not easily forget ‘WG’ Coles, the batsman.
Usually resplendent in a pair of cream flannels borrowed from his brother, who was evidently somewhat taller, carrying a bat with more tape than willow, and proudly wearing his old school striped cap of St Peter’s York.
I would like to go on to describe numerous match-winning innings by ‘WG’ but suspect that you wouldn't believe me so let's move on.
Incongruously, Coley's next sporting career started at Newark Cattle Market where he was auctioning off various sorry looking items to close the sale. The final lot was an old set of golf clubs, that didn't attract a bid, so we now have ‘Rory’ Coles the golfer.
At the time ‘Rory’, was living at Staythorpe and, on discovering a small practice area at the power station, was able to hone his skills in preparation for the more challenging courses that lay ahead.
There can't be many golfers who have played Staythorpe Power Station 6 holes one week and Lahinch, home to the Irish Open, the following week on the beautiful west coast of Ireland.
He was even able to claim to have a home club, signing in as a member of Royal St Aythorpe when necessary.
A regular Golf Society tourist over the years, from Norfolk to Yorkshire to Ireland, ‘Rory’ often described these annual tours as some of his most enjoyable memories. And we of him.
No more being caught persuading his caddy to play his bunker shots, or too many similar stunts to cover here. See photos to compensate.
‘Rory’ you will be sadly missed by all who have so enjoyed your company on and off the courses over the years.
RIP old friend.
Nick Maltby - Newark Rugby Club GS

Every pic tells a story…’Rory’ on the golf course…
.
.

TO VIEW THE FOLLOWING PHOTOS SELECT (CLICK ON) THE IMAGES BELOW

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

An interesting article in the Property Week about John can be found at the following link

Industry pays tribute to PRS and BTR pioneer John Coles | News | Property Week

A TRIBUTE FROM RICHARD DERRY CAN BE FOUND "HERE"

A LINK TO THE RECORDING OF THE FUNERAL SERVICE CAN BE FOUND "HERE"

A SELECTION OF COMMENTS RE JOHN RECEIVED ON THE CLUBS OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE
(https://www.facebook.com/nrufc)

Michael Elliott
Our thoughts and prayers are with John and all his family and friends at this sad time - and especially John's funeral today

Rest eternal grant unto him, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest-in-Peace (RIP) and Rise-in-Glory

Paul Strudwick
Always my favourite partner. 5 hours of laughter quite often leading to tears especially from the caddies. Never to be forgotten. Lovely person.

Michael Lewis Brown
Super guy RIP the Saxilby lads

Glynn Britten
He was such a great clubman. He will be missed by everyone. Thoughts are with his family at this sad time. R.I.P. Mr. Cole. xx

NLD RFU
So sorry to hear this, our thoughts are with his family.

Tony Aspbury
Sad news indeed. There are few who can be described as a Newark RUFC legend and John was one of them. I will miss the cheery banter with him.

Matthew Cove
Extremely Sad news indeed. Some great memories with Coley. He will be sorely missed. Sleep well JC x

Pauline Gourley
So sad to hear this news. John was a lovely man, always took time to chat with me over a beer or two, never rushing a conversation and always keen to talk about you & not himself. Our thoughts & love, go out to John’s family at this sad time.

Clare Dobb
Really sad to read this. Such a great clubman . Thoughts with his family and friends.

Cormac Fleming
Top bloke, always very welcoming and loved a good joke. RIP

Robert Pygott
Very sad to hear the news, a great man who always made time to talk and was always interested! Thoughts to his family at this time! Rest in peace JC.x

Stephen Goodman
John made me feel at home when I joined Newark and was a true club man. My thoughts are with his family.

Darren Bainbridge
Such a shame a true gentleman and a great friend to all
RIP Mr Coles (JC)

David Townsend
Sad news about a great guy who loved Newark Rugby Club. RIP John Coles!!

Dan Cove
Very sad news, a true gentleman. RIP John.

Matthew Clark
Truly saddened to see this news. A great man who was incredibly committed to supporting the club in every way he could. RIP John.

Lewis Cove
So so sad. RIP John, you will be sorely missed by so many

Adam Overland
Very sad news, a gentleman and character , who loved his rugby .

AJ Jack Son
Always had time for a chat and an interest in the game you’d played. Thoughts to the family.

Jean Lawrence
Such sad news , John was a real gentleman, loved his family and loved the club , will be missed by many x

Chris Armond
Sad news . A top gentleman who was a pleasure to spend time with. Thoughts to the family.

Wendy Martin
Really sad news. Such a lovely thoughtful gentleman. Thoughts to the family x

Emily Bamford
Tragic news! My heart felt condolences to his family! A big whole will be left in all our lives! Xx

Neil Clark
So sad to hear this, JC was a true clubman. RIP.

Darren Carrington
Such sad news ! A true gentleman , with such passion. thoughts with all the family x

Phil Beddoe
Very sad news, another club legend lost- hope we can all meet up soon and pay our respects.

Joseph Verney
Condolences from me and everyone at Lincoln Rugby Club. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time x

Alan Whisker
Sad, Sad news, so sorry to read that John has passed away, we have fond memories of John, we know he will be sadly missed. Condolences to the family. R.I.P. Babs & Alan .

Chris Sears
So sad to hear this news. What a Legend John was. RIP.

Steven Hogg
Really sad news a true rugby man. Thoughts to the family

Trevor Waude
Really sad day. John was a top club man. He will be sadly missed by all of us

Graeme Harness
A man who always listened , a man who cared , a man who could be relied upon , a man who loved rugby, a man who loved Newark RUFC , a man i enjoyed numerous beers with at two Rugby World Cup finals and numerous times during many weekends at the Hong Se…

Spencer Stevenson
Great guy!!! Love to all his family xxx

Darren Gourley
So sad to read this. A wonderful man. Our thoughts to all his family.

Victoria Clark
Such a lovely, kind man

Mark Miller
Such sad news a proper club legend x

Andrew O'Hara
A fantastic man always new what to say and when to say it and was part of the heart of the club I loved growing up in. Thoughts to all his family.

Jenny Marshall
Dickie & Jenny Marshall Such a sad end to an amazing and eventful life. We will always miss and remember you as a Club legend, a true gentleman and with fond memories of a great friend for over fifty…

Alex Moore
Such sad news. John was one of life’s good ones. Thoughts to all his family and friends.

Phil Gordon
Such sad news
True gentlemen
Rip John …

Barry Thompson
Love to Charlie JC......

Judith Lyon
So sad x all the Lyons loved JC. He was a true gent x

Jason Mayfield
Club legend and lovely bloke. Sad news.

Jonathan Bailey
Rip, very sad news.

Steve Corcoran
Sad news.