Tributes have been paid to an 'amazing' teaching assistant who 'helped so many'. Ross Coultas died suddenly and unexpectedly on Saturday (June 17).
The Lancashire teaching assistant has been described as 'one of the nicest people' in an outpouring of grief from those who knew him. Mr Coultas had been working at Overton St. Helen's CE Primary School, near Morecambe.
In a heartbreaking tribute, the school said Mr Coultas would be 'deeply missed'. A fundraiser has now been set up to help cover his funeral costs, Lancs Live reports.
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A tribute to the Lancaster man said Mr Coultas had 'helped so many people and children'. It reads: "You forever went above and beyond for every single person you met.
"You were genuinely one of the nicest people we have ever met and a real part community. Personally I thank you for spending extra time with our daughter and teaching her to read you will forever be her friend and made a huge impression in her life.
"Hopefully we can raise enough money to help Liz with any costs to give an amazing and well deserved send-off. Forever loved."
His school posted a tribute to their staff member on Facebook, calling Mr Coultas an 'amazing' teaching assistant and that he will be 'deeply missed'. The post reads: "Our whole school family are heartbroken at the loss of our amazing teaching assistant Ross Coultas, loved by so many pupils and staff at Overton St Helen's.
"Mr Coultas will always have a special place in the heart of the school and will be so deeply missed by us all." Many others who knew Mr Coultas personally shared their stories.
One wrote: "Just wanted to say how amazing the school has been today. Incredibly supportive, whilst trying to come to terms and process everything themselves. It can't have been easy today. Sending lots of love especially to Liz and all his colleagues and friends."
A parent of the school also posted a tribute to the teaching assistant. They wrote: "I think as a family we are still trying to process this devastating news. Ross definitely found his vocation when he stepped through the doors at Overton which was proved by the relationship he was able to build with so many young children.
"One of Summer's favourite TAs and she often referred to Ross as someone she could trust. My eldest son enjoyed football banter with Ross especially at Morecambe matches and is also deeply saddened. As a family we send our love and thoughts to his devoted mum Liz xxx."
Another posted: "Sending love and prayers to you all at this sad and difficult time. My son is in reception so only known Mr Coultas for a short time, however he's told me how kind and funny his was on the school trip to Blackpool and spoke of him with love.
"Thank you for being so kind and caring to the children in your charge, its clear to see from all the comments the impact you made. Heartfelt condolences to his Mum Liz."
The Ship Hotel, a pub in Morecambe, also posted a tribute to Ross and his family. On their page, the pub wrote: "I want to take this moment to send all our love and thoughts to Liz right now anything the ship can do we will.
"It is with great sadness that we so sadly lost Mr Coultas yesterday. You have touched so many hearts big and small. You will be missed by all. Our prayers and hearts go out to you. Fly high rip. Buckets will be on the bar for anyone wishing to contribute for Mr Coultas and his family."
A friend, who knew Ross for over 25 years, also took to social media to pay a tribute to his pal, alongside the link to the fundraiser. He wrote: "Ross Coultas was a great friend of mine who passed away suddenly on Saturday. I've known him 25 years from school to becoming an adult. He had so much going for him and to look forward to in his life but now that has been taken away from him.
"Birthdays, Christmases, anniversaries, milestones, holidays, days out, nights out, retirement. It's hard to think he'll never get to experience those. You don't know what's going to happen today, tomorrow, next week, next month or next year. Sleep well my friend. You will be missed by everyone."
You can donate to the fundraiser to help Ross's family pay for his funeral, by visiting their Go Fund Me page here.
