COUGHLIN, Kenneth J., age 79, died in his home at the Village of Duxbury on Saturday, April 8, 2017 after a brief illness. He was the beloved father of Caralie Ford and Kristin Alexander, both of Duxbury and adored grandfather to Kelsey, Kerrin and Gregory Ford, and Dylan and Kelly Alexander. He is also survived by his son-in-law David Alexander and his ex-wife and devoted friend, Diana Crumb Coughlin of Weymouth.

Ken was born to the late Daniel F. and Marion (Leahy) Coughlin of Lexington, MA. He was the second youngest of eight children and is survived by two sisters, Mary Jane Eplett of Osterville and Ann Coughlin of Winchester, as well as many nieces and nephews, their spouses, and their children.

After graduating from St. John's Prep in Danvers, Ken attended Dean Junior College and Babson College, graduating with a degree in Business Finance in 1962. He was first employed by Container Corporation of America as a sales manager. He later discovered his passion for the investment management field and joined Merrill Lynch and Co. in 1971 as an account executive. After several years he moved to Kidder, Peabody and Co. where he continued his career in investment management until his retirement on Cape Cod.

Ken was first and foremost, a family man. His affection for and devotion to, his parents, siblings, children, extended family, and his friends (whom he considered family), were paramount throughout his life.  He was always there with his big Irish hug, radiant smile, and infectious belly-laugh, for anyone, anytime.

Besides his family, Ken was an avid bird-lover and enthusiastic gardener. He loved everything about nature and was active in the Cape Cod Audubon Society for many years.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, April 23, 2017 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the MacDonald Funeral Home, 1755 Ocean St. (Rte. 139), Marshfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Holy Family Church, 601 Tremont St., Duxbury, on Monday, April 24 at 10:00 a.m. A private burial at Westview Cemetery in Lexington will take place on Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ken's name may be made to Mass Audubon's Long Pond Wildlife Sanctuary. You may donate online at http://www.massaudubon.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/honorary-memorial-gifts or by mailing to Mass Audubon, Attn: Sarah Arsenault, 208 S Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773

For online guestbook and driving directions please visit our website macdonaldfuneralhome.com