Frederick Thomas Coyle, aged 80, died peacefully at home in Victoria, BC on March 29, 2011. Fred was born on June 8th, 1930 in Charlottetown, PEI to Fred A. and Dorothy (Hogan) Coyle. Fred grew up in Charlottetown with his sisters, Frances, Barbara and Elizabeth and his brother, Leo. He was predeceased by his parents; siblings, (Leo and Frances) and his first wife, Joanne Marilyn (Bovard). Fred is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Monique (Poirier). Fred is also survived by his three children from his first marriage, Michael Coyle (Susan), Susan Plummer (Gordon), and Cynthia Coyle. Fred’s grandchildren are Carolyn Plummer (Lise), Lauren (Plummer) Wiley (Tim), Megan Plummer, and Conor Coyle. Fred attended Queen Square School in Charlottetown and went on to graduate from St. Dunstan’s University with his BA in 1952. He began his career at Maritime Central Airways in Goose Bay. Fred went on to complete his BCOMM. at St. Mary’s University in Halifax while raising a young family and working full time at Trans Canada Airlines (Air Canada). He transferred to Montreal in 1962 and after 37 years retired in 1991 as the Senior Director of Purchasing for Air Canada. Fred maintained a keen interest in aviation and was instrumental in the compilation of the history of Maritime Central Airways and the recognition of others in the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame. Fred’s retirement was spent in the City of Victoria where he and Monique enjoyed golfing at The Royal Colwood with their many friends. Fred also enjoyed his twice-weekly tennis matches with a regular group he helped organize. They played together for more than 20 years. He was happy to report that he won his very last mixed doubles set in February (6 – love) playing “ way over his head”. He likened his play that day to a light bulb burning ever so brightly just before it goes out. While living in Victoria, Fred supported the community with his volunteer contribution to the Commonwealth Games as the venue coordinator for cycling events. He was also the Race Director for the first International Triathlon in 2001. For twelve years Fred led an annual Christmas charitable fundraiser for the James Bay Community School. This work was very close to his heart. Until six weeks before his untimely illness, Fred was playing tennis, looking forward to his trip to PEI in July, visits with his children, grandchildren and to the birth of his first great grandchild. He will be greatly missed by all. Thank you to Victoria Hospice – QRT for their compassion and care during Fred’s illness.
A Celebration of His Life will be held at Fred’s great grandfather’s home (MP Hogan) in Charlottetown, mid-summer. The family requests donations to Victoria Hospice in lieu of flowers. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
31 Responses
Dearest Monique and family. I was saddened to hear that Fred had passed away. Tom and Fred were great colleagues at Air Canada and through their association I got to meet you both on many occasions. I recall Tom and I visiting you in Victoria. You and Fred were such gracious hosts. My heartfelt sympathy, Monique. My thoughts are with you. Beverley Anderson, Ottawa.
I was saddened to learn of Fred’s death. My late husband and Fred were both with Maritime Central Airways and good friends. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Douglas Jones and myself feel fortunate to have spent time with Fred. Myself at Air Canada, and latterly both of us in Victoria where we were guests of Fred and Monique and spent times reminiscing about Air Canada, golf, Yoga and books. Fred was a class act and all who knew him respected his savy and intellect. Our condolences to the family.
Fred will be sadly missed. Our condolences to Monique and to Fred’s family. Ivan and Julie Dowling
Dear Monique, We are saddened to read of Fred’s death. He was such a nice man, and a good friend of mine at Air Canada. In fact, Fred and Cameron desBois and I shared a birthdate, and, when we could, the three of us would celebrate at lunch on June 8th. Our deepest sympathy, Bill & Joan Reid
Dear Monique,
I was very saddened to hear of Fred’s passing. We had a relationship for 40 years and I want you to know that a great number of people know about the relationship you and Fred have had. I know how much the two of you meant to one another. My condolences.
I was totally gutted when I read in the Montreal Gazette this morning that Fred had passed away. I had been told recently by our son Tim, who has been a friend of Cynthia’s since they were small children, that Fred was not well, but it was still an enormous shock.
Fred and I worked together for many years in the Finance Branch at TCA/AC. We were both passenger agents who had been hired at the same time by Jim Smith. But we were more than workmates . We lived very close to each other, our kids knew each other, we socialized, we commuted to PVM together. We were good friends.
But at some point our career paths started to diverge. I think the catalyst was the great organizational upheaval of the early 70s. We lost touch, and then came retirement, with Fred and Monique heading to BC. We kept getting snippets of news via Cynthia and I kept telling myself “I must get in touch with old Fred again”. But I never did and now I have regrets.
Fred was a great guy, and even though we’ve been out of touch for a long time, today I feel an emptiness.
Our deepest sympathy to Monique and all the Coyle clan in this time of grief. May God bless you all.
Chris & Vera Irwin
Chère Monique,
C’est avec une grande stupéfaction que j’apprends ce matin, en lisant le journal La Presse le décès de Fred.
Denise se joint à moi pour t’exprimer ainsi qu’à toute ta famille notre sympathie la plus profonde. Nous désirons t’assurer que nous partageons ta peine et te souhaiter tout le courage nécessaire face à cette dure épreuve.
Le souvenir de Fred restera gravé dans ma mémoire pour longtemps. J’ai principalement connu Fred au travail à Air Canada. Il était un homme délicat, aimable, gentil et, surtout, très respectueux. Mon travail m’a donné l’occasion de le côtoyer à plusieurs reprises durant cette période. Fred aura été pour moi un bon ami avec qui il faisait bon vivre.
Gilles et Denise Gagnon
Montréal
You don’t know me but your Dad was my husband’s boss at Air Canada , Purchasing in Montreal and I met him a few times, always a true gentleman……. My husband Diether Wesener (Dick) passed away 9 years ago, would have been 80 yrs old this month.
My deepest sympathy to your big family….Muriel
To Monique and Fred’s family;
Sue and I are filled with great sorrow to learn of Fred’s passing. We were collegues and good friends throughout our TCA/Air Canada careers, right from our days as Passenger Agents in Halifax, to our years in Montreal and through retirement .
Fred was a man of great intellegence and integrity who stood as a model for all of his colleagues both here in Halifax and elsewhere.. We offer our most sincere condolences to you Monique and to Fred’s children and their families. In you all he leaves a great legacy, as he does for all who have known him. May God bless him. He will be greatly missed.
With our sincere sympathy
Bernie and Sue Miller- Halifax ,Nova Scotia