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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
COGHLIN, Robert Bruce - Age 78, passed away on September 5, 2022 at the QEII Health Sciences Center. (Infirmary Site). Bob was born in Guelph, Ontario, On August 18, 1944 to the late Bruce and Helen (Fox) Coghlin.
At 17 he joined the Royal Canadian Navy (electrical branch) where he served for 12 years. Following that he worked as an industrial electrician both at the Halterm and Ceres container terminals in Halifax. During this time, he represented Local 1825 as union president striving to improve the benefits and working conditions of the members.
From 1989 to present he was the owner operator of Coghlin Enterprises Limited. Bob was well respected in the marine industry for his knowledge in the repair and maintenance of all types of marine equipment. He was a senior crew member at the Dartmouth Yacht Club, joining in 1985, and was instrumental in overseeing many projects at the club over the years. He was a long-time member of the Canadian Power and Sail, Alderney Squadron. Bob’s greatest passion in life was working and he never stopped until his health declined this past year.
He was a talented woodworker and liked a good challenge so his recent hobby was designing and building charcuterie boards, each with their own distinct patterns. He had a keen eye for these designs, as well as when things were out of place in his workshop or in the boatmobile. It was extra keen when one of his many tools was missing or misplaced. There isn’t a person who knew Bob who didn’t hear him say to someone “that’s not where that goes” when putting something of his away. His long-time co-worker at the boat club, Rollie, can attest to this.
The word “can’t” was not in his vocabulary. Everything could be repaired or fixed and if he decided it couldn’t be fixed then it was truly unfixable. He would still bring it home though in order to salvage any parts that he thought had value.
Bob took great joy in being the agitator when something was not done up to his standards. If something was not level or straight he made a point of informing you of this.
Bob taught himself to play guitar and could be heard many Sunday mornings playing and recording himself singing.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Marilyn (Pace) Coghlin, sones Tony (Annie), Chris (Heather), Randy (Stacie) and his grandchildren Jayme, Nicholas, Sam and Zoe.
He is also survived by his sister Barbara (Kurt) Merrilees, brothers Reid, Dean (Glenda), Darwin (Rosemary), and Raymond, all of Ontario. There are also numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the doctors and nurses for the wonderful care given to Bob while he was a patient at both Halifax Infirmary 8.4 and Abbie Lane Hospital, 9th floor. Your kindness will never be forgotten.
There will be a celebration of life at the Dartmouth Memorial Gardens, 771 Main Street in Dartmouth, on Friday September 16th, 2022 from 12:00pm to 2pm.
No flowers by request. If you wish, donations in memory of Bob may be made to the QEII health sciences center or the Kidney Foundation.
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