March 4, 1940 - May 3, 2022
It is with sadness that the family of John Watson 'Wally' Coffin announce his passing at North Island Hospital on 3 May 2022. Born in New Aberdeen/Glace Bay, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia on 4 March 1940 to Mabel (nee Moore) and Louis Coffin.
John joined the Canadian Air Force in 1959. After basic and trade training, his postings took him across the country, and even to West Germany: Holberg, BC; Sydney, NS; Val d'Or, QC; Goose Bay, NL; Greenwood, NS; Baden-Soellingen (4 Wing), W. Germany; Barrington, NS; North Bay, ON; Sioux Lookout, ON; Gagetown, NB; North Bay, ON and Comox, BC. Comox was John's last posting and he retired in 1995 at the rank of Master Warrant Officer. He shared his journey with Edith (nee Tobin), a Sydney girl who he married in 1964.
He is survived by his wife Edith and his children, Ann Maureen and John (Patricia), grandchildren Sean and Henry, sister Louise in Port Hope, ON, and brothers Gerry (Enid) in Montreal, QC, and David (Lisa) in Ottawa, ON. He was predeceased by a son, Sean (Jessica) and by his sister, Beverly (Wayne) Chiasson. A keen reader with an interest in history, politics, current events, gardening, and recycling, he was inquisitive, loved to chat with friends and strangers alike, and had a sharp wit. John and Edith enjoyed travelling, especially during their retirement years. They were members of the Comox Valley Square and Round Dance Clubs, which brought more opportunities to travel and meet people.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Canadian Lung Association. The family would like to thank the medical staff at the North Island Hospital, who were so kind and professional in his last weeks.