From the Marconi Veterans website:

Mr Kenneth Coates who joined in 1945, died on 21st May 2023. He worked for Marconi for 51 years.

from Steve B:

Ken Coates worked for Alan Cushing's area. I worked with him for many years until his redundancy.  Ken did marshalled kit for various projects in the group; he knew many people and could get just about anything with little info. He knew most of the buyers and all the 'private stock' keepers, a wonderful asset and friend to all who knew him. RIP Ken.

from Malcom M:

Ken Coates was almost like a permanent feature in Alan Cushing's Dept., a person who was a mine of information for obtaining items or services within Marconi Radar or outside. He was certainly one of the longest serving personnel in the Company and a great asset. RIP Ken.

from John B:

I joined Peter Max's Systems Group, Radar Division in mid-1959 (then on the fourth floor of Marconi House, New Street). With the significant number of projects then being implemented the Installation Planning Section (under Cyril Newland) and, together with the Drawing Office, occupied half of the upper floor of the Canteen Building across the Yard. 

I had the pleasure of being introduced to Ken Coates - a member of Cyril's Section - who was responsible for the administration and control of records. I was advised that for any documentary background information regarding projects, Ken was the person who could track it down. Everybody, from Peter Max downwards, sought Ken's help.

Ken was known for being co-operative and always helpful. I remember him as having a most pleasant and enthusiastic manner in all his dealings. He, of course, went back to the days of the Services Equipment Division and so encompassed the VAST/ROTOR era. Thus I can well understand why he became a member of Alan Cushing's "Cottage Industries". His recall was phenomenal and his reputation for this was greatly appreciated by everyone. Thank you Ken - RIP.