Leonard Andrew Coyle, 51, died on June 24th, 2013 doing something he had dreamed of doing since he was a boy, flying. He was born December 19th, 1961 in Portland, Oregon to Jeanne Margaret Coyle. He was the oldest of 3 children and when his mother died at age 29, Leonard, then only 11, had to grow up fast and fostered his extreme bravery and loyalty. He became a Seattle firefighter and served for 19 years, most of those as a driver at Station 2 in busy, downtown Seattle. He loved everything about being in the outdoors: photographing it, hiking, fly fishing, flying over it. The only things he loved more were his wife, Carolyn and his 2 children, Jeanne and Sam. They moved to Helena in 2002. Not a day went by in 11 years that Leonard didn’t look at his surroundings and say how lucky he was, LOL-“luck of the Leonard” he called it. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn and his 2 children Jeanne age 14 and Sam age 12, his step mother Barbara Coyle of Silverton, OR, sister Terri Coyle in Kansas City, brother John in Virginia, 2 adopted sisters Colleen Tillmann and Mary Ray of Portland, OR and 3 adopted brothers James (Wisconsin), Jefferson (Arizona) and Pat of Oregon. He is preceded in death by his mother Jeanne Margaret Coyle and his uncle and step-father, retired Portland firefighter Edward Charles Coyle.
A Vigil will be held at 6:00 p.m. Friday, June 28th at Saint Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Avenue. The Funeral Mass is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 29th at Saint Mary Catholic Community with the Rite of Committal at Resurrection Cemetery following Mass. A reception will follow the burial in the Banquet Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Yellowstone Park Foundation at 222 East Main St., #301, Bozeman, MT 59715.To offer condolences or share a memory of Leonard please visit: www.retzfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Friday June 28, 2013
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, MT 5601
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m.
Saturday June 29, 2013
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, MT 59601
Reception
12:00 p.m.
Saturday June 29, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H. Banquet Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Friday June 28, 2013
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, MT 5601
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m.
Saturday June 29, 2013
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, MT 59601
Reception
12:00 p.m.
Saturday June 29, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H. Banquet Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Rita Cross and Jim Stanger says
So sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family. Rita Cross
Connie Leveque says
Dearest Carolyn, I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful husband and friend, Leonard. Please know that I am only a phone call away, any day and anytime (461-1444). You and yours are in my prayers. I pray that God’s peace is surrounding you at every moment and His love is filling your heart. Love Always, Connie
Roberta Lawson says
I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. I meet him a few time at Bob’s Grocery story telling the kids to look for something that started with a T or R or S. At times seeing him packing the kids here and there. You and your family are in my heart and prayers.
Jill Gailushas says
Dear Carolyn; I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. You and your children are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless~
Ashley Diteman says
Dr. Coyle,
My heart is breaking for you and your family. One thing I have learned from you is too be strong and keep fighting, I know you have the strength to get through this! You and your children are in my prayers. God will be your rock, like you are for others. ♡ Ashley
Dave Johnson says
Carolyn; I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. You and your children are in my thoughts and prayers. May God Bless and Strength You, Jeanne and Sam now and forever.
Norma Cremers says
Carolyn, My thoughts and prayers are with during this time.
Betty Brewer says
Dr. Coyle, John & I are so, so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family and will continue. Although I didn’t know Leonard very well, every time that I saw him he was always a very nice and caring man. My heart breaks for you and your children. I pray that God will hold you and them and all of your family in the palm of His hand and provide you with comfort and eventually peace. Leonard will always be with you all and will be watching down from Heaven and you will feel his presence and continued care and love for you all. I just want you to know that I will continue to hold you and your family up in prayer. You are one special lady and I know that God is watching over you all. Love you – John & Betty Brewer God Bless You All
Heavenly Father, please spread your healing and comforting peace on this family in their loss. Please watch over them and help them to remember the wonderful memories of Leonard and allow them to eventually heal and continue forward with their time on his earth. I ask that you give them an extra measure of your love, peace, comfort and healing. I ask this in Jesus’ Precious Name AMEN!!
Erinne (Raini) Powers says
If tears could build a stairway and memories were a lane, We would walk right up to heaven And bring you back again. No farewell words were spoken, No time to say goodbye. You were gone before we knew it, And only God knows why. Our hearts still ache in sadness and secret tears still flow. What it meant to lose you, No one will ever know. But now we know you want us, To mourn for you no more. To remember all the happy times, Life still has much in store. Since you’ll never be forgotten, We pledge to you today. A cherished place within our hearts, Is where you’ll always stay.
Ahhh jeez Doc, I don’t even know what to say…there are no words. I’m just so damned sorry for the loss of your husband and best friend. You and your children are in my thoughts and prayers. You are an amazing and strong person. With the help of God and your hubby watching over your family, you and the kids will get through this terrible time. I know the world feels so empty for you right now, but he hasn’t left you completely. You all will be together again one day. May the sun fall soft upon your faces. Big hugs and much, much love.
Erinne (Raini) Powers
Callee Nolden says
Dr. Coyle,
My deepest and heartfelt sympathies to you and your family during this time of need. I remember seeing you and your family in a restaurant many years ago and it gave me a warm feeling seeing your family together laughing and having a good time. Those memories will always live and know he is now an angel looking after his family and leading you here on earth. My thoughts will be with you.
Callee Nolden,
Sandy and Butch says
Dr. Doyle:
We are so sorry for the loss of your husband. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your children.
Beth Pagel and Jodee Rose says
Dr Coyle, Our condolences, love and prayers are with you and your children .
Robin D. Layton says
Dr. Coyle I am so sorry for your loss and for your childrens’ loss. You’ve been so kind and helpful to me through the years that I wish there was something I could do but I know that only the passing of time will help. No words are going to take away any portion of your grief but please know that the community is behind you in every way.
Kari Kalous says
Dr. Coyle and family, I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I worked in the childcare at the Broadwater Athletic Club ten years ago and still have never forgotten how much Leonard impressed me with his obvious love for his kids and his joy of life. I’ll be keeping you all in my prayers.
Charla Kempa says
Carolyn, Jeanne and Sam,
I’m so sad for the loss of your husband and dad. Leonard was a wonderful man. I always appreciated his high goals he set for his children , the many stories he shared and most of all his friendship. He will be missed but will live on through all of you. Remember I’m here for you all.
Love,
Charla Kempa
Wilda McGraw says
Dr. Coyle…..Thinking of you and your family with thoughts of peace and courage. Love endures all time and space. I am so sorry.
Laurel Wiedmann says
Dr. Coyle,
My heart aches for you and your children. l am saddened for your loss and know God will enfold you in his everlasting care and give comfort to your family as you walk the painful path of loss. I pray daily for you and your children.
Much love, Laurel
Paula Dillavou says
Dear Dr. Coyle,
You have helped countless people in this community with their pain. Now if only we could help you with yours. Please be lifted up by the love and support of those all of us who care so much about you and your family. My heart goes out to you and my prayers are with and for you. May God’s blessings and Love carry you all through this sad and difficult time.
Cora, Scott and Sarah Helm says
How we admired Leonard! He was the Dad we saw regularly sitting in the dance room with all the dance Moms and the young ladies. Other men seem afraid to enter, standing safely in the lobby, watching their daughters from a distance. But not Leonard, he was undaunted by the excess estrogen in the room. We will sorely miss him and are so saddened by your loss.
Melinda Simpson-Wilcox says
Dr. Coyle: I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. I have alot of good memories of him coming into visit with the kids when we were working at your medical office and telling us stories of his fire fighting or about your little adventures you took. I will definitely keep you and your kids in my thoughts and prayers.
Sheri and Todd Sullivan says
Carolyn and kids so very sorry about your loss of Leonard ! He was an amazing man and always had a smile on his face! It was so apparent how much he Loved his family. May God bless you all and help you through this difficult time! Thinking of you all!
Sandy Hutchcroft says
Carolyn, Jeanne, and Sam, what wonderful memories I will keep of Leonard and all of you at Christmas time. What a great husband and dad……hold on to those great memories! You all will be in my thoughts and prayers for a long time. Sandy Hutchcroft
Nancy White and Caite Schlicht says
Carolyn, Jeanne and Sam ….. We are thinking of you at this time, please take time to heal and be with each other. Thinking of you.
Patti Mann says
This is such heart-breaking news. It’s easier to miss a good fireman and sweet friend when you know they’re living their dream, out in Montana. Love and prayers to Leonard’s family and friends.
Ben and Desiree Johnson says
Carolyn, Jeanne and Sam
Our hearts are broken for you. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers back here in Nebraska. Leonard will always be remembered as an adventurous guy, always seeking the best that nature had to offer. We were not around him often but it didn’t take meeting him more than once to know that he lived each day to its fullest.
Kathleen Kathan says
Dear Dr. Coyle,
I am so sorry for your loss. You helped so many people with their pain and losses. If only there was some way to ease the suffering you are going through at this time. Please know there are so many, many others hurting with you and keeping you in their prayers and thoughts. May God wrap his arms around you and your family and give you peace and comfort.
Jeannie, Mike, Emma and Molly Brandt says
Dear Carolyn, Jeannie and Sam,
When I think of the last time I saw Leonard, I remember his laughter and his amazing smile. He lit up the room, as did all of you, when we enjoyed the company of your special family at our house several years ago. Jeannie, I believe you were about 8, and Sam, you were about 6. Carolyn, we enjoyed your family so much that day, and I have thought of you often since. We started our families so close to the same time…and so I feel especially saddened by this news. It is a loss beyond imagining. You know, this whole town cares about your family immensely. We are all hoping that the path before you can be eased somehow. You have been, and always will be, a beautiful family. Our hearts and home are open to you always.
With friendship,
Jeannie and the Brandts: Mike, Emma and Molly
Elton and Marie Adams says
Carolyn,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Leonard. He was such a good man, great father and husband. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Know that we are just a phone call away (454-3641) .If there is any way I can assist you with your practice, please let me know.
Elton and Marie Adams
Rebecca Crider says
Dr. Coyle,
May loving-kindness surround you and your children in your time of loss. So sorry.
Rebecca Crider
Denise Barber says
Carolyn, Jeanne and Sam,
We are thinking of you all during this incredibly difficult time! While I did not know him well, I do have many memories of seeing Leonard picking up the kids from school, attending school events, driving the kids here and there. You are all in our thoughts and prayers!
Love, Denise Jeff Audrey and Evan Barber
Donna Roddick says
Dear Carolyn, Jeanne and Sam,
You do not know me, but I am a friend from Leonard’s past. We worked together on E2 in the 80’s. That may sound like a lifetime ago, but to me, it was yesterday. Life is like that. Memories can be so strong that you feel them forever. I shared Leonard’s passion for the outdoors and we used to meet before work and run Greenlake together. He tried to get me rock climbing, but was kind enough to agree that rock was not my thing! Leonard was so passionate, so caring and so able to listen. Dudes aren’t normally like that! We always joked that he would make a good wife for somebody, someday and that is exactly what he did! He and I did not keep in touch, but I heard what a wonderful husband and father he became and it made me smile. I want you to know that he is very well remembered as a good friend and firefighter here in Seattle, too. We were known as the mighty mights (all of us were short!) and it was one of the best times of my career. Goodbye fellow might- Doug, Brian, and I will miss you! Keep his memory close in your hearts and we are so sorry for your loss.
E2A -RIP
Brandee Tucker says
Dr. Coyle an family,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Words can not express. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Brandee and family
Shelly Schumacher says
Carolyn, Jeanne and Sam,
I can’t begin to tell you how deeply sorry I am for you loss. Leonard is the most genuine person I have ever met. True to himself and everyone in his life. I will cherish the memories of all of his stories and excitement of everything he did. He loved all of you so deeply, I hope you can find comfort in that . Leonard will be greatly missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him. Please don’t hesitate to call me for anything you may need.
Shelly Schumacher and family
John Underwood says
Carolyn, May God be with you and your family during this time of loss.
Leisa Hart says
My sweetest Carolyn and children, We have been friends for so many years. I was able to witness and be a part of you and Leonard falling in love. Mary Ray let me in on every aspect of her playing match maker and what a match it was!! I also because of our depth of friendship was privileged to sing in your wedding. What a wonderful time in my life. Please know how much I love you!! I am praying for you and your family.
Many Blessings,
Leisa Hart
Mary Grant says
Oh my dear Carolyn, my heart and prayers are with you and your family during this time. I am sure that he will be down looking at you and the children every day. He will be the brightest star in the heavens. It was so fun to watch your relationship grow and now to think you have two children. I think of you often as I look at the gift you gave Paul and I at our wedding. It hangs in our front hall. I will keep all of you in my thoughts during this time.
Hugs to you all,
Mary
Wendy Biegler says
Dear Sam and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about Leonard. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. I really enjoyed getting to know him at the soccer fields supporting “our” boys’.
Wendy Biegler
(Cooper’s mom)
MARY RAY LEONARDS SISTER says
TO MY DEAR FAMILY IN MONTANA,
All of this written was so true, my brother was a wonderful man and exceptional Father and husband. He spent so many days here during our Dads passing and was so much of a uplifting spirt to be around. Now Leonard will be wearing the wings instead of flying with metal ones . All you have to do is look up , or around he is in every cloud every mountain eveything whispering how much he loves you three. He will be so very missed.
love you three
Mary Ray
Rich Van Gerpen says
I too worked with Leonard down at Station 2. Leonard was never one to sit still always on the move. He even moved in with Pat and John Claiborne for awhile. He loved hiking and climbing. He had a good soul. His smile always brightened up the day.
Bryce Gustke and Donna Nash says
Dr. Coyle, we are so saddned by the sudden lose of your husband. We both share such deep sorrow for you and your children. God bless, we are praying for you,
Nichole Jackson says
Dear Coyle Family,
My mother and I were your housekeepers for a few years while you were moving from houses and although Carolyn, I only met you once and the kids a few times. I did have a chance to visit with Leonard. I could tell right away that he was an outdoor enthusiast with his many canoes and maps of Yellowstone. Leonard talked of getting his pilots license with so much excitement you could feel his passion for flying. He seemed to be a wonderful family man and would talk with me about parenting and life in general. I remember him talking about the luck of Leonard as he would tell my mother and I of stories of his adventures. My heart aches for your family as Leonard has touched my life, he will be remembered by many because of his good natured friendliness. I send a sincere message to the family if anything is needed, please feel free to email me.
Sincerely,
Nichole Jackson
Shari Cabrin says
Carolyn, Jeanne & Sam
I was your housekeeper for four years. I followed you from Readers Village to Canyon Ferry to South Hills. Leonard always had a smile and a funny story about the kids or the dogs & tried to be the best Mr. Mom he could be, except for dusting:-) My thoughts and prayers are with you. Big hugs to Jeanne and Sam.
God bless,
Shari Cabrin
Laura Nisbet says
Dear Carolyn, Jeanne, and Sam,
I am very sad to hear of your loss-loving husband and best friend, and wonderful Dad. Whenever he stops by the office or calls on the phone, the warmth and love of your family overflowed as Leonard and Carolyn always said ‘I love you’ when leaving or hanging up. It brought warmth and peacefulness to our little corner at work.
Praying for His peace and comfort to keep you in these days of sorrow.
In His Love,
Laura Nisbet and family
Paulette Hutcheon says
Dear Dr. Coyle,
I so appreciate you and the kind care you have given me over the past 10 years. And now I am terribly sorry for the pain you are enduring. Like so many others, my heart is with you as you walk this seemingly unendurable path. May it eventually lead to a place of peace, and a sense that he holds your hand as you go.
Paulette Hutcheon
Randy Miller says
Dear Dr. Coyle, our thoughts and prayers are truly with you and yours in your time of loss. If there has ever been a person tough enough to endure, that person would be you.
Leslie Popiel says
Dr. Coyle, My condolences to you and your children for your loss. I enjoyed waiting on Leonard at Capital Laundry, He always had a smile and was very friendly. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Salina, Jeff, Emma, and Lylian Ernst says
Dr. Coyle and family,
Our hearts are breaking for you. We are lifting you all in prayer. May God give you all strength and courage to go forward each day, Thoughts and prayers.
John says
Leonard,
Although we got together too seldom in our adult lives, your strength and inspiration will live with Terri and I forever.
Carolyn, Jeanne, and Sam will get through tihis. They have their memories of your love, courage and strength to help them; and I know you will be watching over them from above.
Our prayers, love and comfort will always be available to them.
Rest in peace my my dear brother.
John
John says
Leonard,
Although we got together too seldom in our adult lives, your strength and inspiration will live with Terri and I forever.
Carolyn, Jeanne, and Sam will get through tihis. They have their memories of your love, courage and strength to help them; and I know you will be watching over them from above.
Our prayers, love and comfort will always be available to them.
Rest in peace my dear brother.
John
John says
OK. So I messed up on the first entry. If I got it right the first time, I would not be the brother you know.
God be with you Carolyn, Jeanne & Sam
John
Lorena James says
Dr Coyle,
I am so so sorry to hear of your loss. Through out the years you’ve been a champion for me, always looking out for better and new ways of treatment. Thank you for all you’ve done and now if there’s anything I can do for you don’t hesitate. I never met your husband but as I was watching the news in Havre MT and they reported on the plane crash I felt in my heart that that was your husband. Jeanne & Sam your daddy will be watching over you everyday. Prayers and blessings for you everyday. ~~Lorena~~
Marilyn Boyle says
Dear, dear Carolyn and family, I am so very, very sorry for your loss. There has not been a day that has past since this tragedy, that I haven’t lifted all of you in prayer. There are so very many people who loved your husband and daddy, that care so much for each of you now. Carolyn, your kindness, compassion, and understanding heart has been such a blessing not only to me, but to so many others as well. May all the love and prayers being sent to all of you during this heartbreaking time, lift you and carry you to the love and healing that will bring each of you to peace and comfort. May angels surround you, and provide heavenly help for each step ahead . Sending you love and prayers forever, in Jesus, Marilyn Boyle