Obituary of David John Coslett

David John Coslett, 94, of Cottage Grove, MN, passed away on Friday, November 3, 2023. He is survived by his sons, Graham and Dennis; his daughter, Maureen; and his daughter-in-law, Heather, and was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Evelyn (Eve).

Dave, as his friends called him, was born in North London, England, in 1929. He attended Stationers Company School in Hornsey, then served a five-year apprenticeship with G J Worssam to become a mechanical engineer. He also served in the Royal Air Force as a radar maintenance mechanic.

In his 20’s, Dave had an active social life, playing tennis and traveling with friends. He was also a member of the Hornsey YWCA, where he met Evelyn Anderson. Initially friends, with time there was an increasing feeling of romantic interest on both sides which finally resulted in David proposing marriage. After a brief engagement, Dave and Eve were married in the Parish Church of St. Mary on August 31st, 1956, and honeymooned in Alassio, Italy. In 1962, they welcomed son Graham to their family, followed by Dennis and then Maureen in quick succession.

After several jobs as a draftsman/designer, Dave got a job at 3M. He was a dedicated employee for the rest of his career, starting in England in 1959 and then moving his family to Woodbury, MN, in 1967 for a new opportunity with the company. He may have been bitten by the travel bug when 3M sent him and his young family to Singapore from 1973 to 1975.

After retiring from 3M in 1992, he and Eve indulged their passion for travel, visiting family and friends in the U.K. and U.S., and traveling to various countries in Europe and Southeast Asia, as well as Australia and New Zealand.

Dave had many interests, including politics and current events, British history (no doubt influenced by growing up during World War II), his British TV shows, antiquing with Eve, music and theater of all kinds, golf, tennis, walking and reading. He was also an avid bridge and Scrabble player and played a mean game of ping-pong. In addition, Dave was very involved with his church of more than 50 years, Christ Episcopal in Woodbury, serving as an usher and a teller.

Dave was a loving husband, father, and friend, and possessed a smile that had the power to light up a room and bring joy to those around him. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.

Thank you to the Norris Square staff for your loving care of David during his last year with us.

A memorial service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 7305 Afton Rd, Woodbury, MN 55125 on Friday, December 1 at 12:00pm, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Feed My Starving Children or to Christ Episcopal Church.