Ronald Coward Obituary
Neil was born on September 6th, 1938 in Calgary, Alberta, to Woodrow and Ellen Coward. In his younger years, he was a gifted athlete, excelling in many sports including badminton, football, and basketball. In 1957, following high school, he joined the Canadian Armed Forces, where he was a pilot for 30 years. He trained on F86 Sabres and flew for 444 Squadron in Baden-Soellingen Germany from 1959-1962.
In 1965, Neil began training to fly helicopters, which he flew from then until the end of his military career, including Search and Rescue with 442 Squadron in Comox, B.C.
He retired from the military in 1986.
Neil then had careers with the Provincial Emergency Program on Vancouver Island, B.C. Government Air Service, and Transportation Canada, until he finally retired fully in 2005.
Neil was predeceased by both of his parents and his brother Gary. He is survived by his siblings, John Douglas (Fay) and Barbara (Steve); his five children, Chris (Maris), Michael, David (BJ), Andrew (Bonna Jean), and Mary; and his grandchildren, Ryan (Courtney), Sean (Isabelle), Caitlin (Shaima), Sarah (Steve), Amanda (Rob), Karin (Adam), Chelsea (Tyler), Geoffrey (Rebecca), Emily, and Emma.
He is also survived by his many great grandchildren, countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He will be dearly missed by his companion Marilyn Green.
Neil was heavily involved in his various communities, including the Retired Air Force Officers Group, the Probus Club, and his Strata Council. He was also extremely passionate about golf, and ran the men's league at Cove Links Golf Course in Ladner, B.C. for many years.
Neil had a wicked sense of humour and was known to play pranks on his fellow pilots and golfing friends. He loved his family and friends deeply and gave of his time willingly. He will be missed forever.
A Celebration of Life will be held on September 28th, 2025, at Cove Links Golf Course in Ladner.
Please drop in anytime between 3pm - 7pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Irene Thomas Hospice in Delta.
Safe Flight
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Peter Fuller
September 12, 2025
Neil was a fellow helicopter pilot and we spent many flights together. Excellent memories of him. Tail winds and CAVOK my friend
Keith Gathercole
September 6, 2025
Neil was many things to me, a golf buddy, a boss, a fellow pilot and a mentor, but most of all he was a loyal friend for 55 years. Fair winds, my friend.
Wayne Heal
September 5, 2025
Neil was a true gentleman and professional. I had the pleasure of working with and learning from Neil at Transport Canada. We spent many hours flying together in the B206. Have a safe flight west my friend.
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Barb Coward (sister)
September 5, 2025
My best big brother protector! Such a sweet man. Though our lives took us away from each other, we were always close in our hearts.
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