Obituary of Colin Michael Coffland

Ret. Lt. Colonel Colin Michael Coffland “Mike” On March 31st 2011 at the age of 71, Mike lost his battle with lung cancer. He passed away peacefully at his home in Olympia, WA; with love ones by his side. Mike was born on May 28th 1939 in Pasadena, CA; to Charles and Captola Coffland, he was the second of their three children. He graduated from Temple City High School in 1957. In 1960 he enlisted into active duty with the United States Air Force serving as a navigator. Mikes military education consists of Squadron Officer School (1966) and Air Command & Staff College (1976). A veteran of the Vietnam War, he also served combat ready as a “Cold War Warrior”. He favored flying the USO tours as he had the privilege to meet & fly Bob Hope to the troops. He received several medals, awards, & ribbons for his dedicated service to our Country. Amongst them were a Distinguished Flying Cross, an Air Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal. His active duty to our Country became his career which he served proudly for 24 years before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1984. In 1961, he married Leilani Henry with whom he had three children. In 1985, he married Maureen (Christman) Stimach in CA who had two sons Jim and Ron Stimach. In 1987 they moved to Federal Way, WA. Mike spent his retirement years actively. He built two homes of his own, one in Federal Way, there other in Olympia, WA where they still reside. He enjoyed traveling, gardening, raising chickens, enjoying his family and pets. Mike was always doing something and always shared the wealth be it in wisdom or in deed. Both of his parents and younger brother “Chuck” Coffland precede Mike in death. His wife of 25yrs, Maureen, his two daughters Celeste M Coffland of KS, Amy R Kuehn of TX and his son Darrin A Coffland also of KS, four grandchildren and his sister Carol Williams survive him. As well as, several extended family members and friends. A Military Honor Service was on April 14th 2011 at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA were his remains now rest. In Mike’s memory please make donations to the American Lung Cancer Society or the Best Friends Animal Society in his honor.