Rick William Coats,

MONONA-Rick “Rapid” Coats, age 57, of Monona passed away on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012, after he finally encountered something he couldn’t beat, cancer. He was born on July 21, 1955, in Madison, the son of Bill and Joan Coats. Rick was a mechanic for Inland Lakes Boat Works since the age of 14. Rick had a loyal customer following as he was widely known as one of the best boat mechanics in the area. As a young man, he enjoyed fast boats, motorcycles, and snowmobile racing, but nothing more than having a good laugh. Rick is survived by his mother, Joan Coats; brothers and sisters, Louie (Dave Jones) Coats, Vicki Kau, and Owen (Heather) Coats; uncle, Homer (Susan) Simpson, his children Ellen(Steve) Doran and Chris Simpson and his adopted children Malekai and Kamaya; aunt, Sharon Nelson; nieces and nephews, Jeri Jo Hawkins, Lindsay Lyons, Dillon and Cameron Kau, and Ryan, Kayla, and Austin Coats; buddy and good friend, John Munz; great-nieces and nephews, Tehera, Michael, and Drake; and his dog, Lucy. He was preceded in death by his father, Bill. A Celebration of his Life will take place at ANTLERS TAVERN, 2202 W. Broadway, Madison, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, with a time for sharing stories at 2 p.m. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to those who have supported Rick during his illness including everyone who contributed to making his benefit a huge success. A Celebration of his Life will take place at ANTLERS TAVERN, 2202 W. Broadway, Madison, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, with a time for sharing stories at 2 p.m.