Last month, Harold Coughlan, an active member of the Saint John Real Estate Board since 1966, was presented with the New Brunswick Real Estate Association’s prestigious Dave Hawkins Award, which recognizes exceptional contributions to the community and to real estate.
Harold has spent just over 30 of the last 46 years actively involved in organized real estate, beginning as a director for the Saint John Real Estate Board in 1970. Over the years, he chaired and participated in countless committees, serving as Board President four times, serving as a Director for the New Brunswick Real Estate Association, and working tirelessly in Education, Political Action, and REALTORS Care® initiatives, among many others.
Harold’s passion for his work is matched by his commitment to his community. Over the years, he has served on many, many boards and committees, including the Cathedral Credit Union, the Harbourview Credit Union, the Loch Lomond Watershed Protection Association, Service New Brunswick, Euphrasia Residence, and the Simonds Lions Club. Currently, he is the Chairperson of a local Christmas Food Baskets program, the Chairperson of the Stella Maris Church Parish Council, and a Director of the Loch Lomond Villa. His volunteer work earned him the “Melvin Jones Award,” the Lions Club’s highest international award for community service.
Harold’s accomplishments are even more impressive, considering some pretty difficult circumstances he faced at the beginning of career when, as a very young man, he suddenly found himself as a single father to his five children, all under the age of 10. Undeterred by a career notorious for its unpredictable income and schedule, Harold pressed forward, often carting all five kids along in the car with him on showing and listing appointments. He became an excellent mother and father to his children during that time, teaching himself to cook and care for his brood. Three years later, he met and eventually married Sue, who helped him raise his children, and one more child they added to their family together.
Despite having the distinction of being the longest-standing member of the New Brunswick Real Estate Association, Harold continues to volunteer and remain very active in organized real estate. He is currently a director both for the New Brunswick Real Estate Association and the Saint John Real Estate Board, and he continues to avidly support of all REALTORS Care® activities.
Harold says he has absolutely no plans for retirement. “I may just celebrate my 50th anniversary as a REALTOR® by running again for President of the Saint John Real Estate Board,” he said, with a twinkle in his eye. “We’ll see what happens.”
