Derek Reginald Coughlin

April 1, 1940 - November 11, 2022
In Loving Memory ~
It is with great sadness that we announce that Derek has died peacefully at home.
Born in Liverpool, England, Derek was the first in his family to go to university, and studied French and Economics at Sheffield University.
His strongly held values were formed by his start in poverty and subsequent opportunities gained through education. These views were maintained and expressed throughout his life.
He spent his career as a teacher of Foreign Languages, becoming Head of Department early in his career.
He met the love of his life, Miriam, who was teaching in the same school. Derek was highly regarded by those he taught, who would take time to chat with him when they met 'Mr Coughlin' long after they had left school. He moved to Canada with Miriam after he retired.
Derek was a loyal, wishful, Everton supporter. He was an enthusiastic cricketer, hiker and cyclist. He and Miriam loved to travel, and spent many holidays in France and Europe where Derek enjoyed conversing in French and Spanish. He will be remembered for his storytelling with the gift of the gab earned from his Irish heritage.
A lifelong learner, Derek explored wood turning, sailing, self-taught home improvement and landscaping. He taught himself to read music and play the saxophone after his 80th birthday. He loved to dwell in thought over literature that inspired him.
Derek was passionate about giving to others and spent hours volunteering in his church community.
He and Miriam spent many years reading for 'Talking Newspaper for the Blind' in their hometown, Warrington, England. He was always ready to lend a hand.
He is lovingly remembered by: his wife of 58 years, Miriam; his three children, Jo (Mark), Phil and Em (Rob); his seven grandchildren, Eleanor, Catherine (Nick), Zander (Becca), John (Kathryn), Graham, Dan & Lydie; his sister Barb (Ken); and many nieces, nephews and cousins scattered across the world.
All are welcome to join for a celebration of life to be held at Sylvan United Church, Mill Bay at 11am, Saturday November 19 2022.
Memories are invited at his celebration, or sent to snuffzed17@gmail.com
Donations in Derek's memory can be made to the CMS Foodbank, Mill Bay. https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/5704?v1=true