John R. Coghlin ~ peacefully with his devoted family at his side, at Listowel Memorial Hospital on Saturday, March 23, 2013, Mr. John Richard Coghlin of Listowel, in his 95th year.
Beloved husband of the late Helen (Bateman) Coghlin who predeceased him on January 23, 2013.
Loving father of Joan Carnahan and Matt Miller of Listowel, Donna Petrie of Stratford, and Doug and Mary Lynn Coghlin of Freelton.
Loved also by his grandchildren, Jill Carnahan-Baetz and Louie Baetz of Brantford, Jan and Chris Burns of Ottawa, Erica and Andy Limisis of Kitchener, and Leith Coghlin of London, and by his great-grandchildren Jenna Baetz, Megan, Jack, and Nathan Burns, and Lucas Limisis.
He will be remembered by his sisters-in-law Marjorie Struthers, Doris McNeilly, Joan Bateman, and Ursula Bateman, and as well as many nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by his son-in-law John Carnahan, two sisters and one brother.
John and Helen were married in 1943 and farmed in Elma Township until his retirement in 1985. In 1953, John was elected to the Elma Township Council where he served as Councillor, Deputy-Reeve, and Reeve. He was a member of the Perth County Past Reeves Association. In 1967, he was honoured to receive the Centennial Achievement Award. After retiring to Listowel, John worked at the Robert Trench Funeral Home for almost 20 years. John was a member of the I.O.O.F. #160, Listowel for over 60 years, and a life-member of the Avon Lodge #41, Stratford. John served as an elder and the Clerk of Session at Trinity United Church, Listowel, was a member of the Perth District Health Unit, Maitland Valley Conservation Authority, and the Listowel Agricultural Society.
Visitation will be held at the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel, on Tuesday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. with an I.O.O.F. Memorial Service at 6:30 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Trinity United Church, Listowel on Wednesday, March 27th at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior.
Interment in Fairview Cemetery, Listowel.
Memorial donations to Trinity United Church, Listowel would be appreciated.