Obituary of David Patrick Coffey

Passed away suddenly on Wednesday, December 18th, 2024, David Patrick Coffey, at the age of 82, with his family by his side. He was predeceased by his wife Florence Coffey (2023), brother Richard, parents Dave and Eva Coffey, brother Leo Coffey, brothers-in-law, James Coffey, Jimmy Judge, Francis Judge and Johnny Renouf, sister and brother-in-law Lavinia and Kevin English, parents-in-law Patsy and Bride Judge. He leaves to mourn his children, Elizabeth Sweiger (Steve), Yvette Coffey (Rod Temple), Rodney Coffey, Clyde Coffey (Christine), Peter English (Kim), Kevin English (Jayla) and Michael English (Kyla Tucker), his grandchildren, whom he cherished, Meaghan Sweiger, Patrick Sweiger (Jacinta), Brianna Hardiman (Kyle), Jenna Hynes (Patrick Letto), Declan Hynes (Jill Kelly), Jordan Temple, Jesica Fleming and Kurstie Jamili, Logan and Lavinia English, Grayson and Aviana English, Great grandchildren Rowan and Alec Hardiman, Lincoln and Logan Letto, siblings Doreen Tobin (Johnny), Ellen Lake (Bernard), Mary Coffey (Jim deceased), Ruby Manning (Keith) and Fabian Coffey (Kay), sister-in-law Madonna Judge (Clifford), numerous nieces and nephews and his special friend, Liz Barron. David was born in Angel’s Cove on the beautiful Cape Shore. At the young age of 16 (more like 15) he began his trade of operating heavy equipment, driving a tandem truck to deliver materials for Sacred Heart Parish Church in St. Bride’s, and the Fish truck to Witless Bay. In the 1960’s he went North, working in many communities throughout Labrador, including Wabush Mines, Churchill Falls, Black Tickle and more. From there he spent many years honing his trade as an expert sought-after heavy equipment and crane operator. He worked with several companies, including Avalon Construction, Hynes Construction, J&E Enterprises Ltd and Harvey’s Salt Division. He was well into his seventies before retiring as a crane operator. This is not to say that he was finished operating machinery. He enjoyed using his Bobcat for snow clearing in the community, using his chainsaw to saw his wood and, of course, riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. Dad loved working outdoors, cutting his own wood, taking care of his apple trees and bird feeders, checking on the RV and working on various machines, visits with friends at Tim Hortons and almost daily trips to Placentia. Dad and Mom wore many hats over the years, all while raising seven children. They were both great neighbors and friends to many. They operated a small farm with Emus, Ostriches, Eider ducks, Canada geese, and a strawberry patch. While Dad spent a lot of time away from home for work, Mom held down the household. They both instilled a strong work ethic in all of us. His way of promoting education, Daddy often said “You’ll never be out of work if you have a ticket in your back pocket”. The family would like to thank the Paramedics and Placentia Health Centre staff who showed compassion while providing expert care to Dad. Thank you to our family and friends who traveled to be with us and provide support during this difficult time. Your presence and support is greatly appreciated. “In our hearts you will always stay, loved and remembered every day. Your legacy lives on in the love and values you instilled in us.” Funeral arrangements entrusted to Coombs Funeral Home, Placentia Waking Thursday, December 19th, 2024, from 7-9 p.m. and Friday, December 20th, 2024 from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Funeral Service Saturday, December 21st, 2024 at 1030 a.m. at Coombs Memorial Chapel in Placentia. Interment to follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery, Patrick's Cove. Donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of Newfoundland & Labrador or the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Newfoundland & Labrador