Maurice ‘Mac’ Alba Coghlin
October 6, 2023
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. Donation 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.
Don’t be sad folks. I had a great life. Goodbye.
Leave a tribute for Maurice ‘Mac’ Alba Coghlin
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Oh Mac! Such a gentleman, intelligent, compassionate, proud and funny as hell. I am so happy to be envisioning you dancing with Grace again. You welcomed me into the church, you told me jokes every time you saw me, some off colour and I loved it. It will be an honour to sing for your family as you supported me in every musical endeavour at St. Lawrence, asked me all the time when and where was the next one. You did indeed have a good life. God bless you.
I remember how delighted we all were when we heard that Moe would be in the school to visit our primary classes. He had such a wonderful rapport with young children. And they absolutely adored him. His captivating manner and safety lessons made a definite and lasting impact. We were all so lucky to have known him. Warmest condolences to his entire family.
Moe was a wonderful person, he will be greatly missed, was a good friend and will always be remembered with warmth and love. So very sorry for the Coghlin’s loss, bless you Moe and Grace 🙏💐
Although I never met him, I am a former member of the London Police Pipe Band and we all respected his vision and work to form the Band. My sincere condolences to the family.
Constable Coghlin was larger than life to me, and I'll bet many other kids felt the same way. His boys went to my school, and they were both a cut above. My sincere condolences to the Coghlin family.
It was an honour to have been involved in the care of Mac. We will miss him dearly.
As a young girl I remember the constable coming to my school. I am sorry for your loss.
Services for Maurice ‘Mac’ Alba Coghlin
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
November 3, 2023 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Memorial Service will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
November 4, 2023 10:00 am
Additional Service information
Interment at Fairview Cemetery, Listowel
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I was saddened to read of Maurice's passing. His obituary was so very informative! I knew Maurice as my "go to" plumber, which is not mentioned among his many admirable accomplishments. Maurice was a modest man, with a terrific sense of humour and the kindest heart of anyone I have ever known. If he was unable to mend the problem, he would tell me exactly needed doing, so when I had to call someone else, time would be saved. With sincerest condolences to Maurice's children, and to his beloved grandchildren, I shall remember Maurice, and his family in my prayers. May he rest in peace with his much loved Grace.
~ J. Currie