Obituary for Wayne Charles Coyle
Coyle, Wayne Charles
September 17, 1936 – February 5, 2020
Peacefully and comfortably, surrounded by his loving family at Norfolk General Hospital at the age of 83 years. Son of the late Lyle and Bonnie Coyle. Brother to James Coyle and MaryAnn Morton. Beloved husband and best friend of Berniece (Pettit). Adored father of Chris (Tami) and Jude (Rich). Respected friend of Ian Cardiff and countless others.
Wayne was born in Tillsonburg and raised in and around Straffordville, Tillsonburg and Delhi, Ontario, where he was a top athlete in baseball, basketball and a champion sprinter. He attended Tillsonburg High School and Delhi District Secondary School, where he met Berniece, the love of his life. He then went on to Sir Wilfrid Laurier University from 1954-1958. He attended the University of Western Ontario and obtained his teaching certificate in 1960. He married Berniece that summer.
Teaching was Wayne’s calling. He started his career in the Phys. Ed. Department in Acton in 1960. While there, he was an integral coach in many sports from volleyball to basketball, spearheading the track and field program. Wayne soon moved to Tillsonburg and ran the physical education program at Glendale High School for 22 years. He rounded out his career at Annandale High School, where he started the first high school hockey team for the Tillsonburg Gemini. While in Tillsonburg, Wayne was an inspirational coach for many sports, including badminton and gymnastics. He led numerous teams to victory. Football was closest to his heart but he had his greatest success with basketball. Consistently winning regional championships, he contributed to the provincial dominance of the Glendale Griffins. Wayne retired in 1990. He was inducted into the Tillsonburg Sports Hall of Fame in 2013 for his years of coaching dedication and success.
Wayne enjoyed public speaking and was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge King Hiram 78, acting as Worshipful Master in 1975.
Wayne made the most of his retirement. He spent his time camping with Berniece, making wine, playing bridge, attending car shows and reconnecting with his lifelong friends. Wayne purchased a motorcycle in his early 70s and tooled around the back roads of Norfolk County. He rooted for the Browns, the Blue Jays, the Raptors and the Red Devils.
Wayne was passionate about his family and the many kids he encouraged both in and out of the classroom. He was known for his sense of humor and good nature. Scores of students refer to him as their favorite teacher. Wayne’s presence will be forever felt by those he impacted. He will be truly missed.Friends and family will celebrate his life on February 22, 2020 from 1 – 4 PM at The Carriage Hall at 25 Brock Street West, Tillsonburg (open house). Donations on behalf of the family appreciated to the Alzheimer’s Society or Norfolk General Hospital and may be made by contacting Ostrander’s Funeral Home, 43 Bidwell Street, Tillsonburg (519-842-5221) who have been entrusted with the arrangements.
Personal condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.ostrandersfuneralhome.com
September 17, 1936 – February 5, 2020
Peacefully and comfortably, surrounded by his loving family at Norfolk General Hospital at the age of 83 years. Son of the late Lyle and Bonnie Coyle. Brother to James Coyle and MaryAnn Morton. Beloved husband and best friend of Berniece (Pettit). Adored father of Chris (Tami) and Jude (Rich). Respected friend of Ian Cardiff and countless others.
Wayne was born in Tillsonburg and raised in and around Straffordville, Tillsonburg and Delhi, Ontario, where he was a top athlete in baseball, basketball and a champion sprinter. He attended Tillsonburg High School and Delhi District Secondary School, where he met Berniece, the love of his life. He then went on to Sir Wilfrid Laurier University from 1954-1958. He attended the University of Western Ontario and obtained his teaching certificate in 1960. He married Berniece that summer.
Teaching was Wayne’s calling. He started his career in the Phys. Ed. Department in Acton in 1960. While there, he was an integral coach in many sports from volleyball to basketball, spearheading the track and field program. Wayne soon moved to Tillsonburg and ran the physical education program at Glendale High School for 22 years. He rounded out his career at Annandale High School, where he started the first high school hockey team for the Tillsonburg Gemini. While in Tillsonburg, Wayne was an inspirational coach for many sports, including badminton and gymnastics. He led numerous teams to victory. Football was closest to his heart but he had his greatest success with basketball. Consistently winning regional championships, he contributed to the provincial dominance of the Glendale Griffins. Wayne retired in 1990. He was inducted into the Tillsonburg Sports Hall of Fame in 2013 for his years of coaching dedication and success.
Wayne enjoyed public speaking and was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge King Hiram 78, acting as Worshipful Master in 1975.
Wayne made the most of his retirement. He spent his time camping with Berniece, making wine, playing bridge, attending car shows and reconnecting with his lifelong friends. Wayne purchased a motorcycle in his early 70s and tooled around the back roads of Norfolk County. He rooted for the Browns, the Blue Jays, the Raptors and the Red Devils.
Wayne was passionate about his family and the many kids he encouraged both in and out of the classroom. He was known for his sense of humor and good nature. Scores of students refer to him as their favorite teacher. Wayne’s presence will be forever felt by those he impacted. He will be truly missed.Friends and family will celebrate his life on February 22, 2020 from 1 – 4 PM at The Carriage Hall at 25 Brock Street West, Tillsonburg (open house). Donations on behalf of the family appreciated to the Alzheimer’s Society or Norfolk General Hospital and may be made by contacting Ostrander’s Funeral Home, 43 Bidwell Street, Tillsonburg (519-842-5221) who have been entrusted with the arrangements.
Personal condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.ostrandersfuneralhome.com