Nigel Coates

Personal According to his official biography, "Coates and his wife Vickie enjoy sailing and have three children who also enjoy sailing – occasionally."

In 1996, while sailing in the Australian Capital Territory, he suffered a traumatic amputation of the top of his ring finger.

Coates was diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer in late 2009, shortly after relinquishing command of the Australian Fleet. He died on 2 June 2010, aged 51, at the Medical Centre, Royal Military College, Duntroon, in Canberra. The funeral service with full naval honours was held in the Naval Dockyard Chapel, Garden Island, on 9 June 2010.

Honours and awards Queen's Gold Medal (Dux of RAN Initial Training course) Jubilee Sword (Dux of Seamen Officers training course) 1991 Maritime Commander's Commendation 1995 Chief of the Defence Force Commendation 1997 Gloucester Cup (Commanding officer, HMAS Canberra) 2001 Gloucester Cup (Commanding Officer, HMAS Anzac)

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