Sydney River

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of our father, Cyril Coish, of Sydney River on Monday, February 17, 2025, at the age of 88 years. Dad was always there for us and will be forever missed, loved and remembered by his children, grandchildren, sister, brothers, many nieces, nephews and friends.

Dad is survived by his daughters, Anne Marie (Joe Bushell), Leitches Creek, Darlene (Fred Broussard), Coxheath, Pearl (Stuart MacDonald), Sydney Forks, Dale (Bill Colbourne), Sydney, and Charlotte (Jamie Roach), Whitecourt, Alberta; eleven grandchildren, Richard, Nicole, Brady, Rebecca, Brandon, Greg, Matthew, Sarah, Mitchell, Breton, and Jessica; sister, June Manzine, New Waterford; brothers, Tommy Coish, New Waterford, and Murray (Cathy) Coish, London, Ontario; sisters-in-law, Mary Youden, Sydney, Carol Babic, Sydney, Donna (Larry) Reid, Oakbank, Manitoba, Sheila Coish, New Waterford, and Margaret Coish, British Columbia; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and life long friends.

Dad was predeceased by his wife, Marena, the true love of his life; only son, Roland; parents, William and Louise Coish, New Waterford; brothers, Clarence, James, and Edward; sisters, Dorothy, Pearl, Mildred, Ruth, and Shirley; In-laws, Julius and Florence Nodge; brothers-in-law, Donald Manzine, Tom Williamson, Murray Backman, Carl Jordan, Ron Lawless, Walter Youden, Hugh Nodge, and Terry Babic, and sisters-in-law, Theresa, Myrna and Marie.

Dad was a devoted husband and a generous, loving father and grandfather. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family and was always there for us. His happiest times were at our large family gatherings because family was everything to him.

He was respected and well thought of in business and social circles. A decent and unassuming man, but he made a big impact on those who knew him.

In his middle teens, he worked as a helper on an oil truck for Irving Oil, working his way up to delivery driver. 1960 was a big year for Dad, he got married, became a father and started his own oil delivery business, Coish Fuels. Years later he established Riverside Fuels Ltd. Dad enjoyed this work so much that he was still delivering oil at 78 years old. We had to ‘encourage’ him to retire. For many years, during the summer months, he also worked as a driver for Malcolm S. MacDonald Sand & Gravel.

When not working, he liked to go to Tim Hortons and enjoy a coffee and chat with friends and acquaintances. In the summer months, he enjoyed riding his motorcycle and made several bike trips around Canada and the U.S.A. with his friends.

We would like to thank so many people who were there for Dad, especially during the last year and a half. His long time family physician, Dr. Glen Worth and staff; Dr. T Hewlett; Home Instead Care Services and caregiver, Mary Dobson who was a treasure; the many doctors, nurses and staff who cared so well for him on 4C of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, and to the family and friends who took the time to visit with Dad at home and during his stay in hospital. He truly appreciated your dedication and kindness.

We would also like to express our thanks to Bill Laurie and staff at Pier Community Funeral Home for their professional and compassionate assistance.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Pier Community Funeral Home. Visitation and memorial service to celebrate the life of Cyril Coish will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd (entrance on Church Street), Whitney Pier on Saturday, March 15, 2025. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 12 noon to 1 p.m. with the memorial service following at 1 p.m. in the All Faith Chapel with Rev. Sheldon Chant officiating.

Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of Cyril may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.

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