Mike Coggins, 80, a longtime resident of Sedro-Woolley, passed away on June 12, 2007 from an extended illness.
He was born in Browns, TN on January 20, 1927. He was the last surviving child of Make and Rhinda Coggins.
He attended Cosby Grade School through the 8th grade. He worked in the cotton fields until his family moved to Lyman in 1943. After moving to Lyman he worked as a farm hand and was employed by a local lumber company. From 1944 to 1946 he was stationed in Okinawa as an Army Corporal and was the driver for Squadron 316 Bomb Wing.
He married Gaye Wilcox on December 10, 1950 and they had two children; Rick and Pam and they lived in Washington and Montana.
On May 30, 1956 he married Ruth Ann Butler and together they had 4 children; Baby their 1st child died at birth, Linda, Dianne and Dave. They raised their children in Sedro-Woolley.
Mike was employed at Northern State Hospital as a maintenance person and painter. After the hospital closed he moved to Yakima where he worked at the local race track. He moved back to Sedro-Woolley and started working as a pilot escort for oversized loads and managed Mobile Village Park for thirteen years until chronic health issues forced him to slow down.
In his spare time he worked at the 4/5/6 tables at the Eagles in Sedro-Woolley. He enjoyed supporting horse racing at Longacres and in Canada and eventually via satellite at local establishments.
If you asked him how he was doing, he would always say: ‘I’m enjoying poor health’.
His siblings who preceded him in death are, Dora Valentine, Oscar died at birth, the twin of Roxanne Ashe, Garvis, Glenn, Carl, Ida, Reece.
He is survived by 2 sons; Rick Sandy of Wenatchee, David Wendy of Sedro-Woolley. 3 daughters; Pam Terry Moore of Burlington, Linda Coggins of Tucson, AZ and Dianne Roger Helgeson of Sedro-Woolley. His grandchildren, Chad Cherie Redick, Corey Redick, Michael Coggins, Danielle Delaney, Eric Teresa Moore, Shawn Ross, Nicole Ross, Sasha Leger, Caleb Leger, Jade Olsen, Alicia Stiles, Kaylee Stiles, Sarah Diamond and Tyler Helgeson. He had 10 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at the Coggins family reunion on July 22nd at Riverfront Park in Sedro-Woolley, starting at 11:00 AM. Mike’s family would like to extend an invitation to all his friends and family to join them in this potluck gathering. For information please call: Pam Moore at 360-755-0115 or Dianne Helgeson at 360-540-1212. Please send memorials to a charity of your choice.
Cremation arrangements were under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.