ROGER BEATTY COON

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ROGER BEATTY COON It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of the late Roger Beatty Coon announce his passing on Thursday, April 28, 2016 at the age of 72 years at the Grace General Hospital with family by his side. Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 51 years, Lorraine (Lolly); daughters, Patricia (Gord) and Joanne (Wes); grandchildren, Matthew, Kevin (Sarah), Michelle and Brianna. Also left to mourn his passing is brother, Allen (Mary); sisters-in-law, Gudrun, Bernice (Murray), Linda (Kris), Sherri (Terry) and Glenda; brothers-in-law, Leonard (Christine) and Colin (Karen), as well as numerous extended family members and friends. He was predeceased by his son, Raymond; father, Raymond; mother, Ethel; stepfather, Ed Holton; brother Joe; father and mother-in-law, Asgeir and Ruth Finnsson as well as brother-in-law, Ronnie Finnsson. Dad was born in Niagara Falls on July 6, 1943. His early years were spent playing hockey, delivering newspapers, as well as delivering Avon for his mom. He was surrounded by a wonderful extended family who loved him unconditionally which was a blessing when his brother, Joe (and his hero), was taken way too soon in tragic accident. It was this which helped to shape dad's character. In September 1961, upon leaving school, dad joined the RCAF and was assigned to the logistics branch. His first posting was in Gimli, MB where he met and fell in love with his wife Lolly, and the two were married on April 3, 1965. Thus their adventure began. His job had them moving to various bases around Canada as well as posting to Lahr, Germany, a family favourite. He was a career military man and it was a job he was well suited for. Be it military or civilian, anyone who worked for dad in their career had a deep respect for him as he was a firm and fair boss. His superior held him in high regard as well as his performance in his job was exemplary. In 1990, after 30 years of serving his country, dad retired and the family moved for the final time to Winnipeg, Manitoba. He chose Winnipeg as his retirement so mom could be near her family after having been gone for so many years. Dad was an avid sports enthusiast, however hockey was his passion. In the sixties he was scouted for the NHL but instead chose to serve his country. This had him playing on a team at every base he was posted to. He was both feared and revered for his skill on the ice. Anyone who had the unfortunate pleasure of being checked by him, knew what it was like to be hit by a moving wall and made sure the experience was never repeated. Dad had a larger than life presence and on first impression could be very intimidating. Once you gained his respect, you were considered family and treated as such. You knew he would be there to look out for your best interests. His love for his grandchildren knew no bounds. They were the apple of his eye and he was so proud of all of them. Just the mention of their names would put a twinkle in his eye and split a grin as wide as the Grand Canyon. He liked nothing better than to talk about them to anyone who would listen. He will be dearly missed. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of 3 North at the Grace Hospital for all their care and compassion shown to dad and the family during this difficult time. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has already taken place and dad will be laid to rest in Niagara Falls at a later date. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 07, 2016