COYSTON, CAPTAIN MICHEAL ROBERT
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.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077.