He was in charge of the school from 1979 to 1990 and during his time in Brigg lived in the Bigby High Road area.
The Briggensians' Association Facebook page highlights his pioneering work in forging links between the school and local businesses and industries.
This included the school newspaper Nelthorpe News, which was produced in conjunction with the Lincolnshire & South Humberside Times and later the Scunthorpe Telegraph.
Ex-pupil Simon Church, now living in Australia, has posted this message: "Very sad news .. A much respected Headmaster and genuine, nice guy."
Others can be viewed, alongside the tribute, on the Facebook site, using this link...
David Coulson died at his home in Warwickshire and a funeral service will be held in the Midlands on Thursday, February 2.
There will be an obituary in the Scunthorpe Telegraph published on Thursday this week.