Carl F. Coffelt M.D.

Carl F. Coffelt, MD, 90, passed away following a courageous battle against cancer Thursday, Jan, 23, 2014, at his Cambrian home. Carl was born to Carl and Bertha Coffelt in September 1923 in Glenview Station, Ill., and graduated from Washington University Medical School in St. Louis in 1947. He established a general practice in St. Joseph, Mich. During the Korean Conflict Carl served in the U.S. Navy as a medical doctor aboard troop ships. After the War he established a private practice in Marin County, Calif., specializing in obstetrics/gynecology. He then served a tour of duty on the medical ship HOPE, stationed in Ecuador. Following this experience, he earned his Masters of Public Health from University of California Berkeley in 1965. Upon completion of his MPH he accepted the position as Chief of Maternal Health and Family Planning for Los Angeles County Health Services. During his 19 years with LA County he helped establish the Los Angeles Regional Family Planning Council, which continues to provide community-wide family planning services for LA County. After retirement from LA County, Carl began to teach at the Graduate School of Public Health at San Diego State University in 1984. He continued teaching maternal health, perinatal health and family planning courses until 1990. Carl enjoyed an active and full social life at both Coronado, Calif., and Cambria. He had a great love of people and interest in their life experiences. Carl served as an Elder and Deacon at Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church in Coronado. He was an avid lawn bowler and served as the President of the San Diego Lawn Bowling Club. He also enjoyed being a member at the Coronado Yacht Club. In Cambria, Carl loved to spend time with his friends at French Corner Bakery, Dog Park, Joslyn Bridge and Poker Clubs. He attended Cambria Community Presbyterian Church. Carl is survived by his wife, Jane; daughter, Anne; grandson, Alex; son, Ian; brother, Dick; niece, Rhonda; and many other loving family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved Portugese Water Dog, Katy Isabel. A memorial service will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in honor of Carl to Cambria Dog Park, P.O. Box 900, Cambria, CA 93428; and Project Hope at www.projecthope.com.