We Remember
Coyston, Mike
August 7, 1959 — February 25, 2012
Passed away suddenly in Hong Kong. Mike was born in London, Ontario and grew up in the Ottawa area. He began his flight training in Sault Ste. Marie, obtaining his commercial pilot license. Following graduation he “landed” his first job at Heritage Aircraft in Red Deer as a flight instructor. That is where he met the love of his life, Dawne. In 1982 he began a new life in the Canadian Armed Forces, where he met the second love of his life, the C130 (The Herc), which remained his favourite aircraft throughout his career. The next adventure was with Cathay Pacific where he worked for 23 years flying 747-400, Airbus 340 and finally as a senior captain on the Boeing 777. Mike’s family was the joy of his life. He was an active participant in his childrens’ lives at home and always returned from work ready to jump to action, sometimes even wearing his uniform to the rink. He supported their academic life at school as well as coaching hockey, ringette, and soccer. He was a hockey referee and occasionally reffed both Sam and Brad’s games. There was no preferential treatment. When Brad began reffing they were sometimes on the ice together. Mike was a member of two “bike enthusiasts groups” and half of the “Choking Squirrels”, the well-known basement band. He was a coffee regular at Percs, Starbucks, Deli-City and a red carpet customer at Rona and Home Depot. Mike was predeceased by his parents Henry and Eileen and brother Peter, his father-in-law Wayne Rempel. He is survived by his wife of 28 years Dawne, children Brad and Samantha, his favourite mother in law, Delta Rempel, his sisters Jill Coyston, Deb (Jack) Flaherty, and brother Bud (Glenn) Coyston, brothers-in-law Brent and Mark (Patty) and sister in law Tracy as well as many nieces and nephews. Celebration of Mike’s life will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 4:00 pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road. Those not able to attend the service may view the service live on-line by visiting http://www.ustream.tv/channel/springfield-funeral-home. In lieu of flowers a memorial donation may be made to BC Heart & Stroke Foundation, #4 – 1551 Sutherland Ave., Kelowna, BC V1Y 9M9.
Service
Celebration of Mike’s life will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 4:00 pm
Location
Springfield Funeral Home
Share with Others:
BC Heart & Stroke Foundation, #4 – 1551 Sutherland Ave., Kelowna, BC V1Y 9M9
Service Information
Service Details
The service for Coyston, Mike is scheduled for Celebration of Mike’s life will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 4:00 pm. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
Springfield Funeral Home
2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
Those not able to attend the service may view the service live on-line by visiting http://www.ustream.tv/channel/springfield-funeral-home
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
Dawne, Sam & Brad:
I am so saddened and surprised to hear of Mike’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and wish you all the love and support that you need and deserve. Let those around you help you and be at peace with everything you feel.
Lots of Love,
Heather
A gentleman whose company was always a pleasure. A great shock. My sincere condolences to all the family.
Dawne, Brad and Sam
We are so saddened to hear of Mikes passing. We will never forget his smile and his postive words he gave to the girls while he coached them in Ringette. We are so luck to have been coached by him and to have meet you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. May you memories help you throught this difficult time.
Kim and Tiffany Taschuk
I am so saddened & shocked by the news of Mike’s passing. He was one of the most supportive and caring parents I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Brad & Samantha, I want you to know that your dad was so proud of both of you.He could talk for hours about what wonderful adults you had become. Our sincere condolences to your entire family from the staff of Sylvan Kelowna.
Robynn Robertson
Centre Director
My hearts and prayers are with you and your family. You may not know me but Mike brought me into your lives with all the stories he would tell me about his great family. We flew together many of times and I looked forward to every flight. He was a great pilot, a great man and I’m sure an even better Husband and Father.
I will miss you Mike!
All our Love
Travis Dashkewych and Family
Dear Dawne, Brad and Sam,
We are so sad to hear of Mike’s sudden passing and would like to extent our sincere condolences to you. Words can fail at times like this so we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you deal with the loss of your funny, energetic, kind and generous husband and father.
Love & Blessings,
Steve and Colleen
Dawn Brad & Sam There is so little we can say at a time like this but know that my heart goes out to all of you. May loving memories bring you strength ,comfort & peace today and always. Linda
Dawne Brad & Sam
We are so shocked and saddened to hear of Mikes sudden passing.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Dawne and your family.
May all your great memories keep you strong through this difficult time.
God Bless,
Lissa
Dear,Dawne, Brad and Sam, We are so sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Mike. Our thoughts are with all of you. The Coulthard family
Very shocked and saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. He was a true gentleman and a real professional on the flight deck. He will be missed by all of us. Blue skies Mike.
hello to Brad & Eileen from Winnipeg Also hello to Jill & Deb
We are thinking of you at this sad time.We have not met Brad & Eileen but we met Jill & Deb at a family gathering some time ago.
We will keep you in our thoughts
The Coyston family in Winnipeg.
Dear Dawne,Brad and Sam,
We are so very saddened and shocked by the news of Mike’s passing. We have lots of fond memories of Mike and are happy that we knew him. He will be missed! Please know that you, Brad and Sam are in our thoughts and prayers now and always. Take care!
Carolyn, Steve & David London
Dear Coyston family
I’m so sorry to learn of Mike’s sudden passing. While I’ve never met any of you, I feel I know a great deal about you as Mike loved entertaining with family stories.
A great guy that will be missed by all.
Dear Dawne,Brad & Sam,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sincerely,
Susan Cavaghan
South Kelowna Elementary
Dear Dawne, Brad and Samantha
We were shocked at hearing of the sudden passing Of Mike. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lesley and Christopher Veldman
Dear Dawne, Brad and Sam:
You will be in our thoughts and prayers during these difficult times. Mike was a great husband, father and friend.
Dear Dawne, Brad and Sam,
We are truly sorry and deeply saddened to hear the news of Mike’s passing. Such a tragic and shocking loss. We have many fond memories of Mike. Please know that you three are in our thoughts and prayers.
Take care.
Carolyn, Steve and David.
So sad about the news of Mike’s passing. Mike was one of the most well rounded people I have ever met. No matter what we talked about, I would always learn a thing or two from him and his wise outlook on life. He also had the uncanny ability to make anyone laugh with his unique sense of humour.
Although I never met you Dawne, Brad, and Sam, I feel like I know you. Mike proudly spoke of you every time I would see him. I am so sorry for your loss, and my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Alecs Bains
Dawne, Brad and Sam,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Mike will be sadly missed.
Dear Coystons,
I remember Mike as a student in Portage when I was an instructor. He topped his class. 30 years later we still regularily bumped into each other working for Cathay based in YVR. He is missed and always will be.
May the tailwinds be strong on your last, greatest, voyage Mike.
Sorry to hear about Mike ‘s sudden passing.We have fond memories of your family at Gallagher’s.Wishing you all the best at this time of sorrow.Bob & Marg Carnegie
Shelley and I were shocked and saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. Our thoughts are with you all. The world will miss a great husband, father, entrepreneur, and pilot. Per Ardua Ad Astra.
Mike’s ability to make me laugh is something I will always remember. The family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Clint and Dianne
An amazing person in all respects and Mike was always one of the first to assist in any task and took on any problem with gusto and still with a sense of humor. He had a thirst for each day and what it would bring. A fine example to us all.
You brought much to your profession and the people you knew Mike. You will be missed but certainly not forgotten.
Dave and Chris Hayden
Being retired I don’t get much news! I did however receive a sad email and I am shocked at Mike’s passing! He was a great guy to work & fly with. My deepest condolences are with his family during these dark sad days.
Brian retired after 27 years of military service, and never met Mike threw his travels, but on many occasions, was asked by many, if he knew Mike.Upon reading in Wpg paper of his passing, we would like to express our deepest sympathy.
Mike was a true family man and much respected pilot. He always managed to add a laugh and smile to our conversations. He will be missed by his CX brethren. We wish you comfort in his memories.
To the Coyston Family:
I wanted to extend my sincerest condolences to your family on this shocking news…such a tragic loss…
Dear Dawne, Brad and Samantha
We are so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. We often fondly think of the days in Trenton and the early days here in Hong Kong. He will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Mark,Lyn,Blaire and Maren
We were terribly saddened to hear of Mikes passing. It was a privilege to have known him. He was a gentleman, a pleasure to have known and worked with. Tailwinds all the way, Mike. Mark and Kira (CX colleague)
Dawne, Sam & Brad,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Mike was a “one in a million” person who will always be remembered as a very kind and personable individual. Tailwinds forever Mike.
Dear Dawne, Brad and Samantha
I am shocked and saddened to learn of Mike’s passing. He was truly a good guy and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Dawne & family
We are both very sad and shocked to hear we loss “a great guy” and friend. Patti and I just had a chance to have a little CX session with Mike and a few other co workers and enjoyed our time laughing about our CX adventures. He will be truly missed not only on the line but in life. Dennis & Patti Beselt xo
We are deeply saddened by Mike’s sudden passing. He will be greatly missed by us all. Our thoughts and wishes are with your family at this difficult time. His passion for all things in his life will be greatly missed.
Henry & Linda
Dear Dawne and family,
Still very difficult to get our heads around Mike’s passing. He will be missed and rest assured our prayers will continue with you and the kids as the days and weeks go by. We pray that God will bring comfort and strength through this tragedy.
Cam & Denise
Dear Dawne, Brad and Sam
We are so sorry for your loss. So shocked and saddened by the news. We just ran into Mike a few weeks ago at Rona and got all caught up on the family news. He was SO proud of you guys and it showed. We feel so fortunate to have had this impromtu meeting with him. His genuine personality & interest in others made him so unique & special. He will sure be missed. Love & hugs to you all. Love Rob, Nadene & Sarah Casorso.
I was fortunate enough to fly with Mike many years ago. I am truly sorry to hear he’s not with us any more. Our condolences to all of you. Ian and Claire
Dear Dawne and Family,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. He was one of the best.. whether it was sharing golf, flying stories or just having a coffee..a great guy to be with. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Dave and Sharon
Dear Dawne and Family,
Our thoughts are with all of you at this sad time. We will miss Mike deeply, he was wonderful person, and a true gentleman. It was a privilege flying with him.
Good trips always Mike….
Mike and Connie Smith
To Dawne and Family
Condolences and sympathey go out to all of you.
I knew and admired Mike way back in 1978 when we were both flying in Red Deer.
He was a great and wonderful man sure to be missed by all that met him.
Dawne, Brad and Sam…
Just watched the funeral… a wonderful tribute for a wonderful man.
Thinking of you and sending love and support…
xo
I am sorry for your loss. Mike was an amazing dad. I spent a month with you guys and I will never forget what an amazing loving family you were. Thank you for sharing your family with me. My thoughts are with you guys.
Dawne,
I last saw Mike when I met you both beside the baggage carousel in Vancouver. It was this past December, just before Christmas. I was with my daughter and we chatted for a few minutes as you and Mike were on your way to a Christmas holiday in Hawaii with your family. You both looked so happy.
It is an understatement to say that Mike’s passing is a shock to all of us who knew and loved him.
Mike and I shared a connection that is hard to express in words. He was my friend. He made me laugh. I will miss him.
My deepest condolences.
John Politis
Dear Dawne & family.
Sorry to hear about Mike. He’s was gone too soon. It was a nice service as I watch it online. You are in my thoughts.
We were very saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
The Macdonald Family
Dawne, Brad and Sam,
I only met you once, but spent many mornings having coffee or breakfast with Mike in Hong Kong. Brad and Sam, I am sure you know how proud your Dad always was of you. I feel I know you well, having heard many stories over the last 20 years. I will miss you Mike.
We were so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He was truly one of the ‘good guys’ and will be greatly missed by all of us who were lucky enough to know him.
Dear Dawne & Family
We are deeply saddened to hear of Mike’s sudden passsing. He was a gentleman and will be sorely missed. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Ben&Ann Leveille (Sai Kung HK)
Dawne and family,
I’ve known and admired Mike for over twenty two years as a respected and valued member of the the aviation community in Cathay Pacific. He always had tremendous insight and was committed to his colleagues and friends through untiring efforts on their behalf. He will be greatly missed as a friend and fellow aviator. Anita and I extend our deepest sympathies and are so sorry for your loss.
Dear Dawne, Brad and Samantha,
It has been my honour to have known and worked with Mike. Whenever I would see his name next to mine I knew it would be a good flight. I will miss him terribly, Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
P.S. when my father passed away I remembered this poem:
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awake in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
Dawne and family:
It was with shock and sadness that I learned of Mike’s sudden passing. There are no words that can provide any comfort other than to say my thoughts are with all fo you in this incredibly difficult time. I would like to thank you for having the memorial available on line, as it allowed me to participate from a distance. The memories of the times you spent together will give all of you strength to carry on in the future. Please accept my condolences.
Wayne Macleod
Dawne Brad and Sam
I was shocked to hear of Mike’s passing. My condolences and prayers go out to you. I know this is a tough time and words just cannot convey the feelings. Even though we saw each other sporadically, we remained friends for over 30 years. Mike loved and was very proud of both Brad and Sam. Dawne you were his best friend and soulmate. I am so sorry this has happened…
God bless …..
Harry Anderson
Dawne, Sam and Brad,
We were so sorry to hear the sad news about Mike and want you to know we are thinking of you all. We remember, with fondness, our days of living just up the hill from you at Gallagher’s.
Warm Regards,
Sally, Dave, Ben, Tom and Nick Dakers
Dawne, Brad and Sam
I am so deeply saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. Mike was such a great guy who loved and cared for his family above all else. Mike and I had many laughs spending two days in the attic of the Calary Condo. I am thinking of you
Dear Dawne, Brad and Samantha:
We are so sad to hear of Mike’s sudden passing. Our condolences and thoughts and with you.
Warm Regards,
Larry and Suzie Nuttall
We are so sorry to hear of Mike’s sudden passing. Our hearts ache for your loss.
Margaret & Norm Holman