Tributes to "pillar of the community" (From This is The West Country)

Tributes to "pillar of the community"

7:40am Tuesday 8th December 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(1)

GLOWING tributes were this week paid to a pillar of the local community following his tragic death.

Alan Coram, 65, of North Newton, had only this year received a prestigious civic award for his dedicated community service over many years – which included building the village cricket pavilion, carrying out work on the village hall and acting as chief marshal to North Petherton Carnival.

Mr Coram’s family and friends were left in a state of shock after it is believed he took his own life last Monday.

The West Somerset Coroner yesterday (Monday) confirmed Mr Coram, a farmer and builder, died of a gunshot wound and police have confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Mr Coram’s wife of 46 years, Diane, told the Mercury her husband had suffered from cancer.

She said: “Alan was very well-known and we have had hundreds of letters and flowers following his death. It was a shock to us all and we are all devastated.”

Mr Coram’s son, Rob – who took over the family farm in 2002 following his father’s retirement – said: “We are all proud of him. Everybody said he was the kind of person who was willing to offer help and advice.”

Life-long friend and North Petherton town councillor Malcolm Goodland nominated Mr Coram for the King Alfred Jewel award, which he received in August.

Mr Goodland said: “He created the currency that comes from the heart.

"I don’t think there’s a person in the village who doesn’t owe him a favour or two.”

Another good friend and former colleague, Trevor Sellick, said: “He was a very clever man who in a work situation knew how to get out of all sorts of problems.

“He also had the most irritating laugh – but I’d do anything to hear it now. He will be greatly missed.”

Mr Coram also leaves behind a daughter, Jane.

His funeral takes place tomorrow (Wednesday) at Taunton Deane Crematorium at 11am.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(1)