Obituaries

KOH, Chong-He (Coco)

Chong-He (Coco) Koh, left this world peacefully in her sleep on May 31st in Kelowna after a brief battle with cancer. Coco was of Korean descent, but was born in Osaka, Japan on April 19, 1967. She spent her youth in Japan attending a Korean school and overcame a lot of discrimination there as a Japanese-Korean.
She decided to come to Canada in her 20's for a fresh start. She studied English in Vancouver in the 90's and easily found employment in a number of restaurants, hotels and travel agencies as she was multilingual and a very hard worker. It was a job in Vancouver at the Canadian College of English Language however that changed her life. She had found her calling! She worked there as a student counselor, homestay coordinator and international marketer. After a few years there Coco decided to open her own language school in Kelowna. This was a brave undertaking in 2002 as many foreign students had never heard of Kelowna or the Okanagan at that time. International Gateway Kelowna started with 1 Japanese-Korean student in 2003 and has flourished since then under her caring leadership and business acumen.
Today, the school continues to thrive with students from over 30 countries, more than 20 program offerings for ages 8-80 and a brand new campus that opened in 2017. Coco leaves behind a legacy in this community that won't be equaled. Coco was very active in the community and in various causes close to her heart like Paws it Forward and Save the Manatee. She would like to especially thank IGK's staff, host families and business partners for their support through the years.
Coco is survived by her loving husband Quentin Trollip, and her precious daughter Zoe.
Coco's celebration of life will be held at Springfield Funeral Home on Friday, June 8th 2018, at 5 pm.
In lieu of flowers/gifts please make a donation to Paws it Forward, www.pawsitforward.org/.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com.

Link: www.springfieldfuneralhome.com

Condolence Messages

Jun 14, 2018
So very sorry to hear of Coco's passing. I knew her only very briefly but she was so dignified and she had such a calm presence. RIP Coco. My sincere condolences to her family.

Katie
Jun 11, 2018
We are deeply saddened by this news regarding the passing of our respected professional colleague, Coco.

Please accept heartfelt condolences from Jennifer Peng and Cindy Kwon of VanWest College, Vancouver; and from the staff of VanWest College, Kelowna.

Coco will be remembered for her numerous valuable contributions to the international student community.

Our thoughts are with her family, and the staff and students of International Gateway Kelowna.
Jun 08, 2018
I heard of the news only moments ago. Very heartbreaking. I knew her only briefly but was touched by her calm, dignified, demeanor. May God surround Coco with His fathomless love and mercy. May her family be consoled and find peace - though they will miss her so.

Shawn Campbell

Principal

Holy Cross School
Jun 07, 2018
To Coco's family and friends,

Extremely sorry to hear about Coco's passing. We met Coco when we were both employed at Summerhill Winery, she always brought in a bright smile and was always a pleasure to see when she would bring in her students for a tour and wine tasting. I know she was also very dear to the Cipes family. Wishing you warm wishes through your grieving. May her positive spirit live on.

Brenda Johnson and John Churches
Jun 07, 2018
I was introduced to Coco for a very first time in July 2017 when she became Jabs Group of Companies commercial tenant. I immediately knew I was dealing with a sweetheart of a lady. At the time I did not realize that there will be so little time and that we will never have a chance to have a coffee together we talked about. I am so very saddened by Coco's passing. My deepest condolences to the family.

Maria Cvetkovich

Leasing Manager for Jabs
Jun 06, 2018
Dear Zoe & Quentin,

My heart goes out to you both....... I am so very sorry to hear about Coco's passing.

I did not know Coco on a personal level, rather than a professional level, but I have a tremendous amount of respect & a great deal of admiration for Coco's tenacity & professional accomplishments in Kelowna.

May her spirit fly with the angels.

Christa Park ~ Hotel Manager ~ Royal Anne Hotel
Jun 05, 2018
Dear Zoe & Quentin. I'm so very saddened & shocked to see this and so very sorry for your loss. I knew Coco well from The TCM offices and Yoga and was honored to call her a friend. Wonderful gal. May she rest in peace. Sincere condolences, Mike & Tina Geddes.
Jun 05, 2018
So sorry to hear of your loss Doc.Quentin.