We Remember

KOH, Chong-He (Coco)

April 19, 1967 — May 31, 2018

Chong-He (Coco) Koh, left this world peacefully in her sleep on May 31st in Kelowna after a brief battle with cancer. Coco was of Korean descent, but was born in Osaka, Japan on April 19, 1967. She spent her youth in Japan attending a Korean school and overcame a lot of discrimination there as a Japanese-Korean.

She decided to come to Canada in her 20’s for a fresh start. She studied English in Vancouver in the 90’s and easily found employment in a number of restaurants, hotels and travel agencies as she was multilingual and a very hard worker. It was a job in Vancouver at the Canadian College of English Language however that changed her life. She had found her calling! She worked there as a student counselor, homestay coordinator and international marketer. After a few years there Coco decided to open her own language school in Kelowna. This was a brave undertaking in 2002 as many foreign students had never heard of Kelowna or the Okanagan at that time. International Gateway Kelowna started with 1 Japanese-Korean student in 2003 and has flourished since then under her caring leadership and business acumen.

Today, the school continues to thrive with students from over 30 countries, more than 20 program offerings for ages 8-80 and a brand new campus that opened in 2017. Coco leaves behind a legacy in this community that won’t be equaled. Coco was very active in the community and in various causes close to her heart like Paws it Forward and Save the Manatee. She would like to especially thank IGK’s staff, host families and business partners for their support through the years.

Coco is survived by her loving husband Quentin Trollip, and her precious daughter Zoe.

Coco’s celebration of life will be held at Springfield Funeral Home on Friday, June 8th 2018, at 5 pm.

In lieu of flowers/gifts please make a donation to Paws it Forward,  www.pawsitforward.org/.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”

 

Service
Friday, June 8, 2018 at 5:00 pm

Location
Springfield Funeral Home

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In lieu of flowers/gifts please make a donation to Paws it Forward Link: www.pawsitforward.org/

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for KOH, Chong-He (Coco) is scheduled for Friday, June 8, 2018 at 5:00 pm. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Springfield Funeral Home

2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC

Phone: 250-860-7077


Special Requests:

None.


Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • James and Karen Evans says:

    Quentin and Zoe. We both wanted to send our wishes to you and our heartfelt sadness for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

  • Dennis Wilder says:

    I am terribly saddened by your unwelcome loss. Only knowing you for fleeting moments, it was enough for you to bring me a bottle of malt scotch, much enjoyed Quentin. I take this opportunity to say that should you and your stunning daughter feel that I could be of any help, please contact me.
    My Very Kindest Regards
    Dennis (Ex Pandosy Inn).

  • Kim & Lynn says:

    We love you and we are here for you all

  • Stéphane Charette says:

    As a host family for IGK over the past 2 years, I only knew Coco briefly. I am extremely sorry for your loss. Our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and co-workers.

  • Sheila says:

    It’s been many years since I saw Coco but way back when Zoe was just a baby your dogs would visit us for daycare on occasion and we would also pick up your friend’s pups from your place and Coco as well. She was always so bubbly and cheerful, full of conversation when we would show up. I am so very sorry for your loss.

  • Chantal Barbucci says:

    Dear Quentin and Zoë,

    Sincere condolences for your precious loss. Coco was a very special person to me and many people who have met her along the way. I will greatly miss her friendship . Much love
    Chantal

  • Sterling Armata says:

    Quentin, I just wanted to let you know how sad I was to hear about Coco. I know she was the love of your life. I wish you and Zoe strength, love and courage. Our prayers are with you.

  • Marlene Kish says:

    It is with great sadness Quentin,to learn of your great loss,know you as my Dr. from Okanagan Health and Performance,I am sending my Deepest Condolences to you and your beautiful daughter Zoe, that you may find Strength , and Love in Coco’s beautiful memories. Prayers for your strength.

  • Amanda and Alena Wells says:

    Alena was in Kindergarten and Grade 1 with Zoe and I had the pleasure of talking to Coco on a regular basis during drop off/pick up times. Alena specifically remembers Coco helping her when she became sick at school one day and remembers that she and Zoe were both shy together.
    We are so sad to learn this news and wanted you to know you are both in our thoughts and prayers.

  • Jennifer krezan says:

    Dear Quentin and Zoe
    Coco was such a special and gentle soul. Her time on Earth was much too short for all that knew her grace. We will miss her lovely gentle soul and take comfort in knowing that she is smiling in Heaven with all of the dogs she helped. I will miss her sweet smile and beautiful crinkle on her nose when she smiled and laughed. Brad and I are keeping you Quentin and Zoe in our thoughts and prayers as you heal and cherish precious memories of your time together. Sending you light and love ❤️

  • Frances Evers says:

    I was saddened by the news of the death of your dear wife. You are in my thoughts as I remember your kindness to me during physio treatments as well as what you shared about your wife and young daughter. Such a loss for the two of you. Take time to grieve and allow others to comfort and support you. You are in my heart.
    Frances Evers

  • Sheila Andrulevich says:

    I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Coco’s passing from a student at IGK. Every time I spoke with her she was so bubbly and enthusiastic about her students and grateful to her homestay families. My condolences to her husband, daughter and all those who will miss her so deeply.

  • James Pflanz says:

    I have known Coco since the 90s. You could always tell she was a special lady. The world is a colder place without her in it. I will miss her laugh and intelligence. My heart goes out to those who knew her best. I have a hint of what you lost.

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