Loyola College - Review Yearbook (Montreal, Quebec Canada)

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THE REVEREND JOHN C. COFFEE; S.J. Died at Montreal, September 26th, 1916.

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LOYOLA COLLEGE REVIEW 5 THE REVEREND JOHN C. COFFEE, S.J. The subject of this brief sketch was born in Guelph, Ontario, October Ist, 1857. Nothing distinctive or very characteristic appears among his boyish traits. He was in most ways a boy like other boys, full of life and vigour, much given to the pranks and games of his fellows, and not in any striking manner pious or studious. Some few traits of his earlier years, which, as his life wore on, became more accentuated, are worthy of notice here. He had always what we familiarly call a heart of gold, and his sympathetic nature showed itself where it should always be felt most, in his own home. The third eldest of eight children, three boys and five girls, he not only showed his strong love for his parents, especially his mother, but insisted that the other children should do likewise. Another trait of his young days, which grew with him and remained strong to the end, was his love of truth and manliness. This he showed in his blunt, fearless fashion, often at the cost of a shiver to his friends; but they soon learned to see the royal heart hidden under the rough cover, and only valued him the more when they came to know him. Even as a boy, Father Coffee was very fond of travel and adventure. Many amusing stories are told of his childish wanderings, of the unconscious anxiety he caused his parents when he did not return from school or play. This trait, too, like others mentioned, remained strong with him to the very last; and, no doubt in return for his many splendid qualities and his great generosity in God's service, Providence furnished him with the means of satis- fying this longing to the fullest extent. His travels, however, were always in view of some good subject. There were no mere ''rolling-stone journeyings, and wherever he went he made good use of all his faculties to gather that spiritual moss, which was to aid his fellowmen and give glory to God. Father Coffee's primary and high school education was gone through in Guelph. Later on we meet him at Fordham College, New York, where he completed his classical studies. He then began the study of Law in Guelph, and was admitted to the Bar in 1881. His sojourn at Fordham seemed to strengthen the longings he had always displayed for the life of a Jesuit Father, and during the five years that he practised Law—and with considerable success —his thoughts turned frequently to that higher life in which he was to do so much in his own quiet way. At this time we find in the young lawyer a gift which few, if any, would expect to find in such a business-like form and manner as his. For years he had been one of Father Fleck's favourite singers, and the thorough training he received in this branch of culture fitted him to succeed his old Choir Master, when Father Fleck was called back to St. Mary's College, Montreal. Those who knew Father Coffee in his younger years will recall his broad intimacy with the then classic school of religious music and the special delight with which he trained the Novices at Sault-au-Recollet for feast Benedictions or Holy Week services. He himself had a rich bass voice, and if poor health and weak lungs had not interfered with this natural gift, he might have, in later