Don Coggins

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Don (Donald) Coggins, who departed this life on November 18th, 2025, at the age of 87.

He was born June 2nd, 1938, in Timmins, Ontario, where he was raised by his aunt and uncle Frank and Adrienna Coggins. He was the 10th child of Eugène and Flora Grondin: Marianne, Pete, Lorenzo, Lorraine, Germaine, Béatrice, Fred, Victor and Eugène. He will be missed also by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Don was a dedicated husband to his wife Suzanne of 64 years and a devoted father to Donna (Paul), Lina (René) and Danny (Marie). He was a very proud grandfather of five grandchildren: Nicholas (Mergreg), Kyla (Lionel), Maya, Noah and Aphelele.

Don dedicated his life to teaching. Whether it was special education, English, Arts, Physical Education and coaching or as a vice principal, his students remember him as a kind, patient, funny and competitive educator.

He shared his time as a volunteer for many organizations: Meals on Wheels, Jeunesse d’Hier, Chevaliers de Colomb, Cursillo, Mariage Encounter, his parish, Assomption de Notre Dame, l’Amicale and many friends and family members benefited from his kind and generous heart.

He loved music and truly enjoyed sharing his album collection as a DJ for dances and family gatherings. Don’s love of life and laughter will be remembered always.

A funeral service will be held at Paroisse Notre Dame de l’Assomption, 384 Hillside Avenue, Oshawa, Ontario on December 6th, 2025. Family will receive guests at 10:30am in hall #2 and a mass will be celebrated at 11:30am.

After mass, everyone is invited to attend a celebration of life at l’Amicale, 15 Thickson Rd.N. unit #8 Whitby.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in his name to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada. Arrangements entrusted to Armstrong Funeral Home, online condolences may be shared at www.armstrongfh.ca