COGHLIN
If dad were writing this, he would say
“I was born, I lived, and I died.”
However, here is what we have to say.
Frank William Coghlin passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, on Monday, July 22nd, 2024.
He was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Lucy Coghlin; his siblings and their spouses: Betty (Dalton) Griffiths, Dorothy (Cole) King, Irene Taylor, Harry Coghlin, and Barry Coghlin. Frank is survived by his wife, Peggy; children: April (Todd) Esmond, Ralph Coghlin, Nancy (George) Gurney, Michael (Michelle) Coghlin, and Penny (Sean) Wilson; and grandchildren: Jade (Kyle) Wilk and Kale Esmond, Kevin Coghlin and Ken Gurney, Elora (Landon) Ferris, Joshua (Alyssa) and Isabelle Coghlin, Emily and Darby Wilson. And we can’t forget his newest love, great-grand-daughter, Aleah Ferris. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Ethel Coghlin and Marvel Coghlin, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Born May 24th, 1937, Frank grew up in Moose Jaw, SK. After graduating, he lived and worked on a farm in Stony Beach, SK with his sister and brother-in-law. He met Peggy Deschner in 1963 and the two got married in November of 1964. He spent 29 years working at various towns as a grain buyer for the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool. During the early years at Holdfast, Silton, and Estlin, SK, they expanded their family to five children. In their move to Eyebrow, SK in 1979, Frank and Peggy found the community they knew they wanted to call home. They became actively involved in various community groups and organizations. Frank enjoyed curling in the winter and slow pitch in the summer. Work continued to be a priority and Frank’s dedication to the farmers and his work ethic made him highly respected and liked by his customers. In fact, Frank built the business enough that Eyebrow became one of the first wooden elevators in Saskatchewan to be a million-bushel point. He would never have bragged about this, but it was a significant accomplishment for that time. Peggy didn’t always appreciate Frank’s dedication to his job as you know farmers don’t keep regular work hours. Late night suppers and altered weekend plans were a regular occurrence, especially during harvest. Crop checking was another important activity, although we weren’t ever sure how they were able to do this after sunset! Following his retirement, Frank and Peggy remained in Eyebrow. They built a beautiful paradise in their yard, as anyone that ever came to visit them in the summer can attest to. Being 87 years of age, Frank was lucky to be able to live in his own home independently right up to the end, even being able to mow his lawn in the week prior to his passing.
In public, Frank didn’t like to be the center of attention and never wanted a whole lot of fuss to be made over him. He believed in honesty and integrity and if he gave you his word, that was as good as a written contract. You would rarely ever hear him complain but the guys at coffee row might tell a different story.
Frank was a loving husband and father and although not openly showing affection in his words, he showered his family with love through all the projects that he laboured over in his woodworking shop. Never using or needing a pattern, his handiwork sits proudly in each of our homes.
Frank’s teasing and playful nature made him loved and enjoyed by so many people in his community and extended family. He enticed grandchildren with his mischievous antics and innocent grin. No one had more fun than when they were with grandpa!
The family wishes to acknowledge the wonderful care Frank received in his brief hospital stay at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital. Special thanks to Aleah and Delaney for getting us through his last day and to Dr. Awan for your honesty and compassion. Thanks also to Darlene, the manager at the Moose Jaw Holiday Inn and Suites for your helpfulness and kindness.
“‘Til we see you again dad…just say YES!”
A Celebration of Frank’s Life will be held at a come-and-go tea on Saturday, August 10th, 2024 at the Eyebrow Community Hall from 2 - 4:30 pm. The family asks that you bring your favourite memory of Frank or write it on the cards that will be provided. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Frank’s name to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com