On the morning of July 13, 2019 our beloved husband, father, Poppie, Papa, brother, uncle and friend was taken peacefully to heaven. He was taken too quickly in the 5 weeks from diagnosis to death from a brain tumor and took that prognosis with bravery and strength. Michael was born in Seattle, Washington on March 3, 1942 to William and Lucille Coughlin. He was the oldest of six children. He resided with his family in Washington, Wyoming and Ohio. Michael carried fond memories and a strong family connection to the Kerr family ranch in Casper, Wyoming. He spent many years there as a child and returned throughout his adolescence to help his grandparents tend to the horses and ranch life. He cherished the time spent on his family ranch in the Wyoming mountains. He attended high school in Lancaster, Ohio and formed close friendships with his classmates that lasted throughout his lifetime.
Michael attended Ohio University. His studies were interrupted to join the Marines during the Vietnam War period, and attained the rank of Sergeant. After being discharged at Camp Pendleton, California, he returned to Ohio University to complete his studies and earn a BA in Business Administration. His brief time in California was enough to bring him back to the state to begin his business career in banking. He thrived in many roles including a loan officer and vice president. California brought many important milestones, the most important of which was meeting and marrying the love of his life, Trudy Bruinsma in Bellflower, Ca. It was love at first sight and their engagement followed only one month after meeting. Mike and Trudy were married May 29, 1971 and the Lord blessed them with 48 loving years together. Two years after marriage, they were blessed with their son William Matthew and almost 2 years later their daughter Karen. Mike was an avid horseman and collector of U.S. Cavalry memorabilia. The family resided in Norco, California until 1987 when they bought the Glenyan Campground in Ashland, Oregon.
Although a banker, Mike was also a self-taught electrician, plumber, painter, carpenter and all-around handyman. He loved to be outside and to camp with his family. Mike could fix, build or repair anything. His creativity and pride could be seen throughout the campground during the 17 years he and Trudy owned it. Mike and Trudy not only ran a business year-round but also raised their teenaged kids there and showed them the meaning of hard work and dedication, not only to the job but to each other and to family. The campground business brought about the opportunity to be blessed to meet and love many new friends that became cherished parts of their family.
After selling the campground in 2003, Mike kept busy mowing, weeding, trimming, planting and never taking a day off at his house. He could always be found starting or finishing a new project. He only stopped working to go camping, play cards, fish, head to the mountains (which he adored), go to church or decorate for Christmas. He made Christmas decorations all year. Mike loved his wife, kids and grandkids and would do anything he could for them. He touched many people’s lives with love and support and would not hesitate to lend a hand.
Michael will be remembered and greatly missed by many friends and family. He was a caring, supportive and generous man. He is survived by his loving wife, Trudy, his son Matthew Coughlin (wife Brenda, and grandchildren Abigail and Hunter Coughlin, Andrew and Mason Ownby), his daughter Karen Smith (husband Hans, and grandson Robert Michael), and his siblings Dan, Kasey, Patrick and Eileen. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Connie (June 12, 2019) and his beloved dog Winston (June 15,2019). It is a comfort to know that they are together again.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5