Obituaries

COUGHLIN, Dr. Barbara Elizabeth

April 1944 - August 14th, 2017
After a valiant battle, Kelowna's highly respected veterinarian succumbed to ovarian cancer at the Kelowna General Hospital.

Barbara (nee Jenkins) was born in New Westminster and graduated from Delbrook Senior High School in North Vancouver, followed by the school of nursing at Vancouver General Hospital. Moving to Toronto, Barbara was hired as an OR nurse by the Humber Memorial Hospital and the Scarborough General Hospital.

Looking for even greater challenges, Barbara returned to BC and enrolled at Simon Fraser University where she earned an honours science degree. She was accepted into the Veterinary Medicine program at the University of Saskatchewan, where she graduated in 1976.

Barbara was hired by Dr.

Link: www.springfieldfuneralhome.com

Condolence Messages

Sep 04, 2017
I have just read the outpourings of sympathy and condolences to the family and friends as well as many wonderful memories from clients of Barbara's. I am a colleague of Barbara's and can attest to the fact that she was much admired and loved in the veterinary profession. She often spoke up at our meetings during discussions (some of them heated!) Always fair and always opinionated, she represented the best of the profession. Then there was the skiing and the love of the outdoors, characteristics we share. I will miss her smile and her positive outlook.

Suann Hosie, D.V.M

West Vancouver
Aug 30, 2017
RIP Dr Coughlin, you were always caring & gentle with my fur babies, we will miss seeing you at the clinic.

Sherry (Kilo & Izzy)
Aug 28, 2017
Dr. Barbara Coughlin was an amazing vet, she took care of our pets like they were her own. She will surely be missed but never forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time.

Irene & Kalvin Downing
Aug 26, 2017
So sorry for your loss, Jim. Barbara had so many fans in the both the veterinary and sailing community.

Irene and Dave
Aug 24, 2017
I am so very sorry for your loss, RIP Dr. Coughlin.
Aug 23, 2017
Dr. Coughlin's Loving Family:

My father used to read the obituaries daily. Now I find myself doing the same thing! He would tell us he wanted to make sure his name wasn't there! He has since left us. I wanted to express my sympathies on what obviously is a great loss! I'm a Kelowna native and knew the Clerke family well. My prayers are with the family at this difficult time! Such an old pouring of love for a well respected person! RIP.
Aug 21, 2017
I am so sorry to hear this. I will always remember her kindness when I finally had to be kind and end the suffering of my dog who had been a member of our family for 13 years. She saw how distraught we were and her calmness helped us through. When I got a condolence card from her with the rainbow bridge poem I was very touched by her thoughtfulness. My deepest condolences to the family.
Aug 21, 2017
Such a lovely lady ...RIP ..George Cwiklewski
Aug 21, 2017
So sorry to hear this news. She was our vet for many years & always shared her experiences with us as she loved all animals. Her devotion & compassion were always present. My thoughts & prayers are with her family. Norma Southward.
Aug 21, 2017
Our condolences Jim. Barbara was such a big part of our sailing club when I was involved. So good to read so many kind words from her "clients".

Mike Fredrickson
Aug 20, 2017
Our deepest condolences on the passing of Dr Coughlin.
Aug 20, 2017
So very sad she lost the battle. Her kindness, humour and compassion helped me survive difficult losses. She leaves large footprints for those who follow. My deepest condolences to all.

Arluene King
Aug 19, 2017
So sorry to hear of Dr. Coughlin's passing . She was my parents vet for years. Cheryl K
Aug 18, 2017
We are so grateful to have had Dr.Coughlin take care of our pets over the years. She was kind and compassionate. RIP Dr. Coughlan. You are missed.

Randy and Kim
Aug 18, 2017
Very sorry to hear of your loss, Jim. We know this has been a journey, Take care.

Your genealogy devotees, Maureen and Florence.
Aug 18, 2017
Sorry to hear of your loss James. From the statements above, it is quite apparent that Kelowna will miss a much loved and respected vet.

John Downes and Shadow.
Aug 18, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Dr Coughlin. She was calm in the face of an emergency when Judd our Dobermann was run over by a car. It enabled everyone to work with him.That gave us strength to cope and peace to him as he was examined. Thankfully he recovered and lived a full life. I am forever grateful for that care.

Thank you RIP Dr Barbara.

Sandy Kavanagh
Aug 18, 2017
So shocking to read the obituary of our wonderful vet Barbara Coughlin. My message will be short as all before me have said exactly what we also feel about her. She cared for our dogs and cats like her own. I was only at the clinic this past Saturday! Who knew she would be gone two days later. So sad for the staff, but so wonderful to have Ellen taking over. The clinic is in good hands!

Gordon and Brenda Hunting
Aug 18, 2017
We are deeply saddened on the passing of Dr. Coughlin. She has been apart of our lives for over 20 years, caring for our dogs. We always valued her honestly, compassion, knowledge and the love she had for our dogs. We will miss seeing her at the clinic. Our condolences to Ellen, the staff at Kelowna Vet and her family.

Brad, Lindsay, Matthew and Ginger
Aug 18, 2017
Sincere condolences to James and all the staff at the clinic. Barbara was a wonderful vet to my babies for over 25 years. She always showed the utmost professionalism and compassion for the animals, and could also be a very calming person to a grieving upset "mom" too. Barbara has left us with the "gift" of Ellen, to continue such great care with our babies.

RIP Barbara, you will be missed by many.

Cheryl Lowen
Aug 18, 2017
Dr. Coughlin looked after our animals for over 30 years and we so appreciated her professionalism and her caring and compassionate ways. And Mindbreakers on CBC radio will never be the same-her knowledge of trivia was amazing! Our deepest condolences to her family, her friends and her wonderful colleagues at Kelowna Veterinary Hospital.

The Bowie family
Aug 17, 2017
I so remember going over the railroad tracks to her clinic so long ago. I was with Barb. for many years. A lovely person who we came to know. I will miss her as she was so kind and caring to all my family of dogs. If a smile comes to you for no reason at all and it makes you smile at that exact moment in time its because at that very moment in time I am smiling right back at her. May she be in animal heaven as she was an angel to us all. Diann Gibbs
Aug 17, 2017
We are so saddened to hear this news. Dr. Coughlin was such a kind, caring person and an extraordinary veterinarian. We will miss her dearly and she will not be forgotten by all those whose lives she touched.

Candace and Les
Aug 17, 2017
RIP Dr. Coughlin. Never have we met a more considerate,

kind, thoughtful and loving vet. You will be sorely missed by all us humans and fur babies. We pass our condolences on to the family and staff.

Lynn and Brenda
Aug 17, 2017
I am deeply saddened by this news. Dr. Coughlin treated our pets as if they were her own and understood them like no one else. She had a true gift, not only in dealing with animals but humans too. Condolences to her family and friends.

Rest peacefully Dr. Coughlin.

Denise
Aug 17, 2017
Sorry to hear of Barbara's passing! She was our vet since she joined Dr. Clarke. Our sympathy to all who loved her. May she rest in peace.

Linda, Mervyn and Loky (the dog)
Aug 17, 2017
Dr. Coughlin rest in peace. You will be missed. My condolences to her partner and family.

Miriam Lowen
Aug 17, 2017
RIP Barb. Many of us will miss you.

Marilyn Calvin (Wignall)
Aug 17, 2017
Dr. Coughlin will be dearly missed, we have been seeing her for 38 years, don't know what we will do without her.

Duchess, Luci, Bev & Maxine
Aug 17, 2017
Barbara has been a super vet to our family for several years. She looked after 4 [3 deceased] of our dogs and 4 of my brother's dogs [3 deceased]. I'm positive that all these dogs will be waiting for her at her special place in heaven.

Andy and Holly Ferbey [Boo Boo, Brandi and Nika]

Sandy and Martha Statham [Tiny, Skippy and Skippy 2]
Aug 17, 2017
Jim, sorry to hear about your loss. It is never easy losing a loving partner. Thinking of you during this difficult time.

Sophie McCarthy
Aug 17, 2017
Dear Doctor Barbara,

You were always my favorite Vet. Even though I was scared sometimes, I always felt better when I came out and you made sure my owners took good care of me. I will miss you so much.

All my love to you,

Gingerbug
Aug 17, 2017
So sorry to hear this sad news. Barbara and I were colleagues for many years.

Allan Gill
Aug 17, 2017
She was a pleasure to deal with during my time at the Regional District of Central Okanagan.

our thoughts and prayers are with you,

Domenic and Lina Rampone
Aug 17, 2017
Dr. Coughlin was instrumental in facilitating career research with SD#23 students interested in the world of veterinary medicine. She hosted students as well as did presentations in the schools over the years and was an invaluable contributor to our community & students' career futures! Thank you, Dr. Coughlin, as you have made a difference in many of our youth's lives through the sharing of your time, facilities and expertise in the real-life world of a Veterinarian! You will be missed!

Mr. C.
Aug 16, 2017
Our biggest fear in leaving Kelowna was having to find someone to look after our pets as compassionately as Barbara had for the 26 years we were there.

Rest in peace Dr. Barbara, you will be missed.

George and Tracy Meikle
Aug 16, 2017
Dr. Coughlin cared for my cats and then my dogs. She was always so gentle and caring. We will miss her dearly. My sincere condolences to her family and all of us who depended on her knowledge and compassion.

Linda Yablonski.
Aug 16, 2017
Dr. Coughlin has been our vet since she moved to Kelowna. One of our fondest memories was seeing a tear run down her cheek as she watched our young son say good-bye to his beloved cat. A more light hearted memory was seeing her teach our basset hound puppy who was boss (and it wasn't him!) She will Rest in Peace knowing her patients are now in the capable and loving hands of Dr. Ellen. Our sincere condolences to her husband and other family members.

Charles and Anne Colk
Aug 16, 2017
Our sincerest condolences to Dr. Coughlin's family. She took care of our families feline fur kids for more than 25 years. She had true love and compassion for all animals and their care was always her first priority.

Susan Kane and Family
Aug 16, 2017
Condolences to Barbara's family and friends. We will miss his wonderful woman and caring vet.

David and Suzan Ross
Aug 16, 2017
I will miss you Dr. Coughlin, Your kindness and smiles have always made my visits a pleasure. My deep condolences to your family.

Robbie G
Aug 16, 2017
Jim and Bob/Mary.

Sorry to read this as until Barbara retired she has looked after our pets since the Paddy Clerke days at Spall and Bernard. We worked on the building on Kent. Did some work on both boats. Enjoyed the travel stories of later years. Always knew were you stood with Barbara.

Now its time for the pets in heaven to again have a check up with Dr. Barbara.

RIP

David Langton
Aug 16, 2017
James, so sorry to hear the sad news. Thinking of you and Bob and family.

Carol West
Aug 16, 2017
So sorry to hear this. She was a very caring vet and saved my dog's life....RIP

Cindy
Aug 16, 2017
Dr Coughlin was an amazing vet she cared so much for animals. She will be missed. Rest in peace Dr Coughlin.

Fusco family
Aug 16, 2017
When I lived in Kelowna 7yrs. ago. Dr Barbara Coughlin was my Vet for my darling Cat Sequin who was very sick at the time, who passed away Aug 19 2011. Since I have moved to Vanc I have had 3 different Vets for my new Rescue Cat Meiko and I want to take this time to express my respect for such a Fine Lady Dr. Coughlin who showed so much compassion and love for animals. No one has come close to the dedication and love she had for many of our pets. She will be missed by many of us. SHE has gone over the RAINBOW BRIDGE to play with her pet friends. RIP. Love to her friends and family who are grieving.

Claudia G. Magrath Johnston. gmail. [email protected]
Aug 16, 2017
God's speed Dr.Barabra on your voyage ,I always admired your calming & sincere

approach as a doctor. I thank you for your dedication to all animals as I'm sure lots of them greeted you on the " Rainbow Bridge". April White
Aug 16, 2017
RIP Dr, Coughlin...You were an amazing person who helped many. You will be missed for sure

Tracey MacDonald
Aug 16, 2017
RIP Barb. many of us will miss you at the clinic. prayers for your family. Diane W.
Aug 16, 2017
Dr Coughlin in my opinion was always the closet thing to an angel- She looked after all our pets for many years - words could never describe what a wonderful person she was. Missed but never forgotten Jeanette &Terry Hynes Grand Forks BC
Aug 16, 2017
RIP, Dr. Coughlin. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.

Florence