Roy Henri Coffin

After a rich and fulfilling life, Roy H. Coffin passed away Tuesday, August 10, at his home in Mayville, ND. Roy was born in Ontario, Canada, on August 2, 1920, to Harry and Marie (Prenevost) Coffin. Raised in South Dakota, he spent most of his childhood on the family ranch SW of Mobridge. He grew up during the Great Depression and was the eldest of 12 children and helped care for his siblings which later prepared him for his role as a father of six. Roy graduated from high school in Trail City, SD, in 1938. Roy had many interesting stories of his various jobs in the Black Hills from joining the CCC’s and clearing out Wild Cat Cave, to driving for Pepsi Co. In 1943, he enlisted in the US Navy and proudly served his country during WWII. While serving as a radio operator aboard the USS Estes, he witnessed the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima. After an honorable discharge in 1946, he met Virginia Moland. They married on November 7, 1948, in Rapid City, SD. In 1949, he graduated from telegrapher’s school and secured a position with the Northern Pacific RR in Minneapolis, MN. He worked as a telegrapher and later as a Depot Agent in several communities in out-state MN. In 1950, he and Virginia started their family. Virginia passed away on December 3, 1960, in Grey Eagle, MN. In 1964, the RR relocated him to Villard, MN. He was a devoted fan of his children’s various activities encouraging them throughout their high school years. Changing times brought the merger of two railroads creating the Burlington Northern, which in turn brought him to Portland, North Dakota. While working in Portland, he met Ethel Angen and they were married in Mayville on November 26, 1977, blending two families. He retired from the railroad in 1981. An avid collector, Roy also enjoyed bowling, sports, gardening, reading, rock-hounding, reunions with his shipmates, and music - especially bluegrass. He always found a way to serve each community he lived in. He was currently active in the American Legion and VFW. Roy was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend who will be greatly missed by those surviving: his devoted wife, Ethel; sons, Ray (Debbie) Coffin of Chino Hills, CA, Bob (Terry) Coffin of Royalton, MN, Phil (Marla) Coffin of Stillwater, MN, Tom (Sue) Coffin of Dayton, MN; daughters, Peg (Dave) Craig of Bathgate, ND, and Jo Dziengel of St. Paul, MN; stepsons Russ Angen of Mayville, ND, Rod (Vicky) Angen of Grand Forks, ND, and Brad (Cheryl) Angen of Mayville, ND. He will be missed by numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Zane (Phyllis) Coffin of Elmira, OR, Jim (Maggie) Coffin of Galt, MO, Grant (Mary) Coffin of Blackhawk, SD, and sisters June (Sam) Livesy of Columbus GA, Jean Hubbs of Pueblo, CO, Sr. Lorane Coffin of Rapid City, SD, and Mary (Larry) Giddings of Ft. Pierre, SD. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Jerry, Roger, Howard and John Coffin. Visitation: 5-7 PM Friday, August 13, 2010 with a prayer service at 7 PM at Baker Funeral Home, Mayville, and will resume one hour prior to the funeral service, at the church. Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 AM Saturday, August 14, 2010 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Mayville. Burial: Mayville City Cemetery, Mayville.