Tristram Coffin, Jr.

Tristram Coffin, Jr. died December 4, 2016 in Shavano Park, Texas. Tris was born April 1, 1919 in Hudson, NY to Tristram Coffin and Rachel Anna Jones Coffin Robinson. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marvel M. Points Coffin; son, Mark Coffin; sister, Trudy Robinson Benson Wyche and brother, Joel Coffin. He is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Coffin Johnson (John); granddaughters, Julia Johnson Davis (Scott) and Sarah Johnson Russell (Quentin); great-granddaughter, Charlotte Davis and his brother, Peter Coffin.

Tris grew up in the Boston area, where he became a great fan of the Boston Braves, staying loyal to them with their moves to Milwaukee and Atlanta. He summered with his great aunt, Lillian Backer, in Bayville, Maine. Tris considered the family cottage in Maine his favorite spot and as a young man even spent a storied winter there (it was not insulated for the Maine winters). He attended Union College, Northeastern University and Harvard College. Tris enlisted in the Navy during the Second World War, where he served as a signalman. While in the Navy, he met Marvel Points, who was a WAVE (who outranked him). They married February 12, 1945.

Tris had a career with the Better Business Bureau, serving as manager of the bureaus in Amarillo, Texas and New Orleans, Louisiana. He was a longtime member of the Rotary Club in both cities. Following retirement, he volunteered for 25 years at Second Harvest Food Bank. He was recognized for his volunteer work by the city of New Orleans at a Saints game. In 2006, President George W. Bush presented him the President's Volunteer Service Award. He was an active member of All Saints Episcopal Church, River Ridge, Louisiana for many years. Due to declining health, he lived the last three years of his life with his daughter and son-in-law in Shavano Park, Texas, becoming a Spurs fan during that time. He was a good friend to all who knew him and will be missed.

The family expresses their special thanks to Elizabeth, Roger and Gerry of Gentiva Hospice for the care they provided Tris the past two years.

Services at All Saints Episcopal Church are pending.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in his memory be made to Second Harvest Food Bank New Orleans; All Saints Episcopal Church, River Ridge or a charity of your choice.