Christopher Tintin Collins Coughlin

May the blessing of the rain be on you

the soft sweet rain.

May it fall upon your spirit

so that all the little flowers may spring up,

and shed their sweetness on the air.

May the blessing of the great rains be on you,

may they beat upon your spirit

and wash it fair and clean,

and leave there many a shining pool

where the blue of heaven shines,

and sometimes a star.

(Traditional Irish Blessing)

It is odd how a name reveals so much:

Christopher......

.....Christopher comes from the late Greek name (Christophoros) meaning "bearing Christ”. It has come to be regarded as the Patron Saint of Travellers.

Collins......

.....Collins is of Irish and Gaelic origin, and the meaning of Collins is "holy" and "victorious people".

Coughlin......

.....The Coughlin motto is “Fortis in Arduis - Brave in Difficulties”. This name, with variant spelling Coghlan, Co(u)ghlin and Cohalan, is an Anglicized form of two distinct Gaelic Irish sept names, the first being MacCochlain of County Offaly, and the latter, O Cochlain of County Cork.

Christopher was born on January 2, 1960 and truly embodied his name.

He was a devout Catholic and member of the Knights of Columbus. This holiness and bearing of Christ became very prominent in the last years of his life.

He had a passion for seeing the world. During his lifetime when he was blessed with good health, he travelled to Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France and twice to Spain & New York. He always prayed for our safe passage and we knew he protected us on our life’s travels. His last trip took him to the Dominican Republic where he married Yolanda Susana Pena in January 2009.

He was extremely gifted mentally and had a remarkable memory. As a voracious reader, he was well versed in History, Spanish & Latin Cultures, Economics & Banking and Politics.

Regarding this last area, he was not so Irish and chose to be Republican describing himself as a “Lifelong Conservative”. He defined himself as “fiscally conservative and socially liberal”. This bears much truth in that he embraced all life styles, was compassionate for those who are not so fortunate and held great respect for the elderly.

He absolutely adored old Movies and Music of all kinds.

Chris was dedicated to our family business, the Wildflower, and saved the day on many occasions. He made many friends at Factoria Mall in Bellevue. He would have loved to become a banker and financial advisor.

Due to his diabetes, he was unable to serve in the military although he remained supportive of its role in pursuit of democratic values.

He was highly imaginative and created a special world that allowed him to live out his dreams. He often said, “Why tell the truth, when a lie will do”, even though he was as genuine as they come. He was a character, that he was.

Oh, and the Romantic - forever romantic……

Chris personified the “Gentleman” to its perfection. Dressing to the nines for every occasion, opening doors for the ladies and even recently protecting his sister, Sheri, from rude behavior.

Oh goodness, he had a strong Irish character on all levels but also with a capacity for charm and was quite so endearing. His doctor called crying when hearing of his passing, his neighbors shared how much he helped them and encouraged their children, his friends in Spain recall his vivacity for life….dancing the night away or enjoying tapas on Rambla Catalunya with his friend who like his mother has a florist shop.

He was a true family man who never forgot birthdays, sent flowers, remembered our family history in detail and he was proud of our accomplishments. His memory shall live on by his siblings; Candace, Sheri, Scot, his nieces and nephews; Heather, Nathan, Patricia and great niece and nephews. Chris generously supported his wife, Yolanda, her son, Omar, and her family in a country that struggles to make ends meet.

Christopher Collins Coughlin was “Fortis in Arduis - Brave in Difficulties” as his health slowly declined. His journey was victorious, meeting his Lord on August 4, 2014. We are consoled as a family that he finally returned home to be with his beloved parents, Joyce and Delbert.

Remembrances may be made to a charity of your choice.