Farewell to Michael Coulman
We are sad to report that Michael Coulman died peacefully aged 90 on Tuesday 22 August 2023.
Michael had a most distinguished sporting career until suffering injuries resulting in five hip operations and open heart surgery.
At Winchester, he was Captain of every major sport. He won the Rackets Public Schools Doubles in 1949 partnered by Peter Welsh and in 1950 and 1951 partnered by Andrew Myrtle. He was in the Cricket XI for four years and in the annual match against Eton he made 47 and 27 not out his first year, 55 and 102 not out his second year and 28 and 200 his third year.
At Oxford Mike played Rackets, Squash and Real Tennis for the university. In 1956 he played in the GB Rackets Team against the USA and in 1957 he played Squash for Wales. Again in 1957 after defeating David Milford 3-0 in the semi-final of the Amateur Singles, he failed by the smallest possible margin to defeat John Thompson in the final. He won the first two games, lost the next two and at 13 all led 2-0 in the set to three, but John finally won the game and the match 16-15 with a lucky shot off the wood. Later John told Andrew Myrtle that the match was played in a most friendly and sporting spirit and that he was fortunate to win. After John's winning lucky shot Mike just turned to John and said “Good shot”! Mike was a true Corinthian sportsman. He also reached the Noel Bruce Final twice partnered by Andrew Myrtle.
Mike’s Thanksgiving Service will be at All Saints Church, Iden, Kent at 2.30 pm on Wednesday 20 September.
We send our deepest sympathy to his wife and family.
