Maurice ‘Mac’ Coghlin passed away on Friday, October 6, 2023 in his 96th year.
I want my obituary to show that I was an extremely fortunate individual as I was blessed with good fortune most of my life. There were a few downers, but mostly ups.
My life was blessed to the fullest in having Grace as my wife. She was beautiful, an outstanding and understanding woman. I loved her so very much. She was my best friend for over 70 years and how I have missed her since she passed in 2020. I was also blessed by being the father to Charles (Patricia) and William (Denise). Sadly, Bill died in 1992. Son-in-law, Al Miller, was a thoughtful and compassionate caregiver to Grace and I in our later years. I was the son of the late Clarence & Dallas Coghlin of Listowel, ON. I was grandfather to five grandchildren and one step-granddaughter: Heather Maclean (Ryan), Patrick Coghlin (Allison), Sean Coghlin (Megan), Brittan Ullrich (Doug), the late Erin Steeves (the late Dwayne), and Amanda Horrell (Jeremy). I also had nine great-grandchildren who I loved very dearly.
I was proud to have served a short time in the Canadian Technical Training Corps in 1945. From 1946-1954, I was proud to have served in the Royal Canadian Artillery. In 1954, I enlisted in the London City Police where I spent nearly 32 years. Some may remember me as Constable Coghlin as I toured schools in London teaching the children about safety. Those were very good years and I have many fond memories of the principals, teachers and students that I met. Kids really do say the darndest things!
During my police career, I also had the good fortune in establishing and building two Pipe Bands, the 1st London City Police Pipes & Drums and the Forest City Irish Pipes & Drums. For this I was placed on the Mayor’s Honour Roll and in 1973, I was honoured to be introduced to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip. Having my two sons grow up, Charlie as a drummer and Bill as a piper, as part of these bands was a wonderful time for father and sons. I loved music and sang for 12 years in the Presbyterian Church Choir. And, oh how I loved to dance with Grace!
I would like to say thanks to my special friends at St. Lawrence Presbyterian Church. Your support and love sustained me through these past few years.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 3, 2023 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London where a memorial service will be conducted on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Interment at Fairview Cemetery, Listowel.
I was very fortunate to have many friends, and in lieu of flowers, I would like to ask you, as a friend, to take a moment and recall some time we spent together sharing a joke, or a pub night in song with members of either or both bands. My last two and a half years were spent at the Parkwood Veterans Home in London. I had a wonderful team of health professionals that cared for me with kindness, humour and great compassion. Donations, if you wish, to St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation – Veterans Care Program, St. Lawrence Presbyterian Church, the Canadian Cancer Society, or the Alzheimer Society of Canada. For donation information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.westviewfuneralchapel.com
Don’t be sad folks. I had a great life. Goodbye.
