Lieutenant Commander John Coggins, a Royal Navy diving and mine warfare expert, has died at the age of 87. Coggins gained recognition in the late 1960s for his role in defusing homemade bombs during the disturbances in Hong Kong, earning him the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) at 30. His naval career spanned four decades and included a variety of assignments, such as commanding Royal Navy diving support vessels and recovering a fighter jet’s black box from the North Sea. Born in 1938, Coggins initially served in the Merchant Navy before transitioning to the Royal Navy. Notably, he assisted the British Army and Hong Kong police with bomb disposal during the 1967 unrest in the colony. His work also involved dismantling explosives on a 100-foot radio mast and clearing hazardous Japanese ordnance on Penang Island. After retiring at age 60, Coggins dedicated himself to family life, golfing, and cruising. He is survived by his wife Rae Belfrage and two sons.

Jean Lodge, an actress active in British B-movies and West End theatre during the 1940s and 1950s, passed away the day following her 99th birthday. Born in Hull in 1927, Lodge appeared in films such as “Dick Barton Strikes Back,” “The Case of the Missing Heiress,” “Brandy for the Parson,” and “The Black Knight.” She was married to Alfred Shaughnessy, known for his work as a script doctor on the television series “Upstairs, Downstairs.” After a successful acting career, Lodge largely retired to focus on motherhood. She was described as energetic and well-loved. Her surviving family includes her sons, Charles, 5th Baron Shaughnessy, and David Shaughnessy.

George Chuvalo, a Canadian heavyweight boxer noted for his resilience and toughness, died on his 89th birthday. Born in Toronto in 1937 to Croatian immigrant parents, Chuvalo competed professionally in 93 bouts without ever being knocked down. He fought notable heavyweights including Joe Frazier, George Foreman, and Muhammad Ali on two separate occasions. Chuvalo was a five-time Canadian heavyweight champion who chose a professional boxing career over Olympic competition. Following personal tragedies—including the deaths of his children and his first wife—he became an advocate against drug use and worked as a public speaker. Chuvalo retired from boxing at age 41 and was appointed to the Order of Canada in 1998. He is survived by his second wife, children, and stepchildren.