Ralph Coffey, 98, of Mercer Island, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 2, 2015 at Overlake Hospital surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by Katherine, his loving wife of 62 years, and infant son Patrick. Survivors include 5 children, Tom (Chris), Kathleen (Hal) Thorsvig, Michael, John (Patty), Steve (Marianne) as well as 7 grandchildren and their spouses, and 8 great-grandchildren, who have all brightened his life and given him immense pride. He is also survived by 6 nieces and nephews and their spouses and children.

Born in Seattle on July 27, 1916 to John and Elizabeth (Lynch) Coffey, Ralph was the youngest of 5 children. The family lived in the Capitol Hill neighborhood where he attended St. Joseph School. At Broadway High School he captained the school’s daily newspaper and was elected Senior Class President. After graduating in 1934 he embarked upon a career in property and casualty insurance with Northwestern Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Seattle, later known as Unigard Insurance Group, becoming Assistant Vice President and corporate managing underwriter for all personal lines. After 44 years with the company, he retired but soon joined John L. Scott Real Estate on Mercer Island as an agent and enjoyed a successful second career. He became active in Mercer Island Rotary and served as Chairman of the 1986 Mercer Island Rotary Half-Marathon.

After enlisting at the outbreak of WWII, Ralph served with the US Army Signal Corps in the Alaska Communications Service. He was a devout Catholic who participated in a wide range of parish activities at St. Joseph Church and later at St. Monica on Mercer Island. He is a Past Grand Knight of the Seattle Council of the Knights of Columbus and Past President of the Archdiocesan Union of the Holy Name Society. He volunteered to be Cub Master to the largest pack of young scouts in Seattle and was awarded the Scouter’s Key. His careers and activities led to many valued friendships and recognitions for his accomplishments. He had a keen sense of doing things the right way. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word.

Always an engaging conversationalist who delighted in the company of others, Ralph, with his wife Katherine hosted many events for family and friends over the years. He loved and treasured his family and considered his children his most important life work. His positive influence on them continued throughout his life.

Ralph will be always remembered for his enthusiasm and optimism, his quick Irish wit and smiles for all.

Funeral Mass was celebrated at

St. Monica Catholic Church

Remembrances to MI Rotary Foundation, PO Box 1,

Mercer Island, WA 98040

Hoffner Fisher & Harvey. Guest book at harveyfuneral.com