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PrintGlenn Coogan 1956—2011
Washington State’s wine industry lost a well liked and respected wine executive when Glenn Coogan, 55, died on September 11 from a suspected heart attack.
Coogan, vice chair of Northwest operations for Ascentia Wine Estates, based in Woodinville, was responsible for winery operations at Columbia, Covey Run, and Ste. Chapelle wineries. He was active in the state’s wine industry, serving as vice chair of the Washington Wine Commission board and chair of the Washington Wine Industry Foundation’s board of directors. Coogan began serving on the Wine Commission’s board in 2004.
“I was fortunate to have Glenn as my vice chair,” said Kent Waliser, current chair of the Wine Commission board and general manager of Sagemoor Farms in Pasco, Washington. Waliser adds that Coogan’s counsel was valuable, steady, supportive, and constructive. “Glenn was not a vineyard or winery owner, but he dedicated his time, exhibited passion, donated financially and mentored all in his presence because he truly love the Washington State wine industry. I’ll miss his jokes and dry wit, but most of all his common sense approach to very difficult issues.”
Born in Germany, Coogan grew up in Washington, attending schools in Tacoma and Vancouver before receiving a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1981 from Portland State University. Early in his career, he worked for Ocean Spray Cranberries as a manufacturing manager, joining Ste. Michelle Wine Estates in 1997. In 2002, he became vice president of Northwest operations for Constellation Wines and remained in his role when Ascentia acquired the Columbia, Covey Run, and Ste. Chapelle wineries in 2008.
“He often told people that he spent his early career years trying to keep fruit from fermenting, only to do the opposite with grapes in the wine industry,” said wife Janice Coogan.
Coogan is survived by his wife Janice of Woodinville, and son Steven Coogan.
A scholarship fund called the Glenn Coogan Memorial Fund has been established at the Washington Wine Industry Foundation. To contribute, visit www.washingtonwinefoundation.org.
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