The Cogley family wants to share the passing of their beloved Dr. John Philip Cogley, affectionally known as Papa John and Johnny Boy. He died suddenly at the age of seventy-seven on Saturday, December 31, 2022 while visiting family for the holidays. Johnny was a true Irishman who had a twinkle in his eye, an impish smile, and the gift of gab. As his oldest granddaughter said “he touched a lot of peoples’ hearts by his funny personality.”

John was a professor at Eastern Washington University for twenty-seven years heading the Therapeutic Recreation program and six years as chair of the Physical Education, Health, and Recreation department. After retirement he continued his distance education program to assist hundreds of students to qualify for certification in Therapeutic Recreation. He was a passionate educator who guided students of all ages to achieve their goals. In the 80s, John was instrumental in creating the adaptive ski program at Mt. Spokane. Recently one of his youngest grandsons participated in a similar program in California. Such is the beauty of life coming full circle.

Johnny was a country boy at heart. Born and raised on property in Council Bluffs, Iowa known as Cogleywood where he loved to hunt, fish, and ride his horse. Eventually John and his wife, Patty, bought property outside of Cheney, Washington where they lived for thirty-four years raising their children: Philip, Christopher, Ryan, and Meghan. As a dad, he loved supporting his kids in sports, 4-H programs, and taking them hunting, fishing, boating, and riding dirt bikes. During the past eight years, John and Patty retired in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho.

John is survived by his wife Patty, of forty-six years, three sons and one daughter: Phil and Lori Cogley (Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho); Chris and Sheri Cogley (Grand Junction, Colorado); Ryan and Christie Cogley (Henderson, Nevada); Meghan and Michael Dehdashtian (Lake Forest, California). Papa John had nine grandchildren who were his pride and joy: Melissa and Trevor; Kien and Dillon; Carter and Kenleigh; Alessia, Hudson, and Andrew John. Their ages ranged from nineteen to five years of age. John is also survived by his sister Kathy Buchanan (Council Bluffs, Iowa).

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