NORMAN LOUIS COGHLAN

Condolences & Memories (9 entries)

• Dear Pearl: My sincere condolences on the loss of your husband Normand. Jeannine - Posted by: Jeannine Paradis () on: Jan 14, 2014

• On behalf of the staff at ABF Freight System, we are sad to hear about Norman and extend our sympathy to the family. He created an outstanding organization that is one of the fairest and honest companies we deal with. - Posted by: Scott Johnston (Long term business relationship) on: Jan 07, 2014

• Our Mum, Winifred (Paterson) Figley is Norm's first cousin. Their parents - Euphemia (Paterson ) Coghlan, our Aunty Phem, and Norman William Paterson, our Grandfather, were twins, born in Norman, Ontario in 1894. Norm and our Mum, as Norm called her, Winnie, were lifelong friends and considered each other as close as bother and sister instead of cousins. Norm often visited his Uncle Norman and Aunt Effie (Win's parents in Kenora, Keewatin, Norman and at the Camp at Longbow Lake. Uncle Louis, Norm's Dad, and Aunty Phem, his Mum, visited often and we had countless family dinners and games of Rummy and singsongs around the piano in their tiny living room at our Nana and Papa's place. Uncle Louis aka "Unc" was an irrepressible HAM and always sang and played the most enthusiastically which was a feat to outdo our Grandma. We sang Seeing Nellie Home and all the WW1 songs and then Louis would start playing Gilbert and Sullivan, so rambunctiously that the house would shake and we would all collapse in laughter!!!! For my brother, Grant Figley, Mum and me, The Coghlan Clan was the epitome of a well adjusted and loving family that we were and are so fortunate to know, and have in our lives. In addition to the generous support that Norm so kindly gave to Mum over the years on Beaumont Bay, and more recently, in The Waverley and Rosewood Seniors Community, Norm also made a concerted effort to ensure the Paterson Family were each remembered after passing in the beautiful Kenora Cemetery. Norm researched and had memorial headstones made to mark the graves for Win's father, Norma William Paterson, (Twin Brother of Euphemia Coghlan), Win's mother, Euphemia Bruce Paterson, Uncle Jim Paterson, Aunty Nellie Paterson. This was such an act of human kindness because the simple markers were crumbling that these people had to mark their lives. We are deeply grateful for Norm's deep sense of commitment to family, generosity and responsible action in this tribute to our family. Clearly, Norm loved his roots and carried those values along his lifelong path. One special occasion for Mum (Winnie), was when Norm hosted her 80th Birthday dinner at the Manitoba Club, a highlight for Mum in her life. Another significant note about our memories of Norm, is that up until very recently, he went to work EVERY DAY at Coghlan's. He used to say that he wasn't sure what he did there anymore because Rob and Barb made all the decisions! We suspected it was because he loved what he built and he loved going for lunch whenever he could with Rob, Barb & Gail, before leaving for the day to pursue numerous other interests, like golf! There is a shared life long history which, for us, created an enduring sense of belonging to an extended family. For us, Norm was an instrumental role model as the head of that family that we so enjoyed and appreciated being included in. We are deeply grateful. And, please accept our sincere sympathy and gratitude to Pearl, Gail, Rob, Sandi, Kim, George and all of their families for their dedication to Norm over the past year, and always. Peace and Love, Win, Pat, Grant, Alison, Mary-Ann and Family. - Posted by: Winifred ( Paterson ) Figley and Pat Reid (cousins) on: Jan 01, 2014

• On behalf of Opportunity Partners, we extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Norm Coghlan. Thousands of people with disabilities in the Minneapolis area have gained work skills and experienced the pride of earning a paycheck over the years, thanks to the vision of Norm Coghlan and the Coghlan’s company. - Posted by: Brian Pederson () on: Dec 31, 2013

• I met Norman during my time with the Rotary Club of Winnipeg. He was always interested in my work with our local Scouting Group and often donated camping supplies for our use. He was a very respectful individual and contributor to our community, and will be missed. - Posted by: Lorne Perrin (Business Acquaintance) on: Dec 30, 2013

• I am deeply saddend to hear of Mr. Norman Coghlan. We worked together with Coghlans as business partners and became as close as friends for the past 20 years. The memories he has left behind will be cherished forever. Please do accept my deepest condolences to entire Coghlan family. - Posted by: Robin Hsieh/Seis Brother Ind Corp. & S.B. Outdoor Group LTD. (Business Associate) on: Dec 29, 2013

• A friendly neighbour in the 50s. I last spoke with Norm at my father's memorial at Fort Garry United in 2005. Norm still had his sense of humour and overall enthusiastic outlook. The world could use more people like Norm. - Posted by: David Worth (Old Wildwood Neighbour) on: Dec 29, 2013

• I used to work for Melet Plastics and we made product for Coghlan's. I especially remember the yellow egg cartons. Any time I walk down an isle in the store and see all the "yellow" product, I remember this. I now work across the street from Imagine Ability and think the association is just great. Rest in Peace sir! - Posted by: Debbie Schmidt (past employee of business that made product) on: Dec 29, 2013

• Sorry to hear of your loss. I know your Dad enjoyed your visits at Deer Lodge - Posted by: Lorna (friend of Gail) on: Dec 28, 2013