1927-2013
Entrepreneur, successful businessman, volunteer, beloved husband, father and grandfather.
Norm passed away peacefully at the Grace Hospital on December 20th, 2013 surrounded by his loving family. Norm was born in Winnipeg on February 26th, 1927.
Norm was a true visionary, who dreamed big and made those dreams a reality. He founded Coghlan’s Ltd. in 1959, and it continues to be family owned. Norm was always proud of Coghlan’s business relationship with Imagine Ability (Versatech Industries) in Winnipeg, and Opportunity Partners in Minneapolis. These two companies offer work to people with intellectual disabilities and have been invaluable to Coghlan’s from the beginning.
Norm was a passionate Winnipegger, who worked to make our city a better place. Norm was a proud Rotarian who served as President of the Rotary Club of Winnipeg and Chairman of the Permanent Endowment Fund. He also served as President of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, Wingar Investments, Premium Investments, Wildwood Community Club and Chair of the Fort Garry Independent Citizens Election Committee.
Norm was a member of CAFE (Canadian Association of Family Enterprise), The Associates – Asper School of Business, St. Charles Country Club, the Manitoba Club and a partner of the Rotary Stables at Assiniboia Downs.
Norm was predeceased by his first wife Eleanor and his daughter Barbara.
Norm will remain always in the hearts of his beloved wife Pearl, his loving children Rob (Sandi), Gail, step-daughter Kim McGonigal, his son-in-law George Stevens and his much loved grandchildren, Jeffrey Stevens (Jordan), Jill Stevens, Natalie Coghlan and Cailey Coghlan.
From an early age Norm spent many summers at Lake of the Woods with family. He enjoyed curling, golf, snooker, and coffee at Sals with his friends. Norm’s legacy will be his sense of fairness, enthusiasm, energy, his great sense of humour, and above all his love of family and friends.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Grace Hospital and Deer Lodge Centre for the compassionate care they provided to Norm.
Cremation has taken place in accordance with Norm’s wishes. A Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 8th, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Fort Garry United Church, 800 Point Road at Lyon with the Reverend Dr. Gordon N. Taylor officiating assisted by Reverend Aubrey Hemminger.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Hospital Foundation, 800 Booth Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3J 3M7 or the Permanent Endowment Fund of the Rotary Club of Winnipeg, 243-375 York Avenue, Winnipeg, MB
R3C 3J3.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.1