William Roger Coughlin, 76, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2005, with his son-in-law, Tim Withrow, by his side, at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.

He was born on Dec. 13, 1928, in Conrad, to William and Olive (Thompson) Coughlin. William received his early education in Brady, and began working at the age of 12 with his uncles in their wheat fields.

In 1946 he joined the Army and after training in California served his country in Japan and in Alaska.

While in California, William traveled to Oregon and met Minnie R. Jimenez; they were married on Feb. 13, 1951, in The Dalles, Ore. William worked for various railroads in Oregon and Washington before moving to Montana in 1954. In 1956 William began work for the Burlington Northern and in 1968 continued with the tie plant in Somers.

William was very active with the Veterans of Foreign Wars and served as commander twice and also as the all-state commander. He was the seam squirrel for the Cooties and a life member of the VFW.

From her earliest recollect, Cecilia, William's granddaughter, was nearly always by his side while volunteering with the VFW. She was his pride and joy and spent many hours with her 'Poppy' selling Poppys during the VFW's annual fund-raisers. William's grandsons, Brian and Tim, were also good poppy salesmen and learned much from their grandpa.

William loved hunting, country music and spending time with his grandchildren. He was very dedicated to his family and country. William was known for his kind heart, his respect for others and his ability to make friends wherever he would go.

William was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter; and three brothers: Jim, Lyle and Tom.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Minnie Coughlin, of Somers; two daughters, Cecilia Withrow and husband, Tim, of Somers, and Marian Coughlin of Oregon; one son, Daniel Coughlin of Lowell, Mass.; four grandchildren, Cecilia Withrow of Kalispell, Brian and Tim Withrow of Somers, and Daniel Coughlin of Massachusetts; as well as one sister, Mary Olson, of Great Falls.

There will be a reception at the VFW Post on Main Street following the services and the family suggests memorial gifts be given to the VFW Post 2252, 111 South Main Street, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Memorial services for William will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 21, in the Johnson Mortuary Chapel with Doug Mead officiating. Military honors will be by the United Veterans of the Flathead.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for William's family.