Eric George COYLE

1937 - 2020

Eric George COYLE obituary, 1937-2020, Auckland, Auckland

BORN

1937

DIED

2020

FUNERAL HOME

Dil's Funeral Services Ltd

185 Schnapper Rock Rd

Albany, Auckland

Eric COYLE Obituary

COYLE, Eric George. RNZAF No. 77225. (1937 - 2020) Passed away 23 February 2020, aged 82 in Auckland. Much loved father of Alan, Philip and Wendy, their partners Christine, Andrew and Ivy and grandfather of Henry Coyle. Loved brother of Alison, brother-in-law of Noel Dennerly, uncle of Rachel, Simon and Katrina and the late Mark and great uncle of Sophia. Eric spent most of his working career as a Probation Officer. A service will be held at the North Harbour Chapel of Dil's Funeral Services 185 Schnapper Rock Road, Albany on Thursday 5 March at 12.30pm. All correspondence to PO Box 492 Taupo 3351.



Published by The New Zealand Herald from Feb. 28 to Mar. 3, 2020.

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Memories and Condolences
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8 Entries

I said to myself this steamy night in Brisbane I wonder what happened to Eric.' And through the wonders of the internet I was confronted with the dismal news of his passing. I worked with Eric in the Probation Service in a time (the late 70s and 80s) when it was focused on helping people change rather than monitoring or control. Eric was a mentor to me. He taught me that every human has value. That kindness and compassion are treasures. That we should not be hasty in judging others. He told awful jokes, but we always laughed. Eric always had time for you. As an idealistic young man he encouraged me but gently steered me away from my worst excesses. He himself would have ideas which he had to discuss as soon as possible. Many were very sensible, some were extravagant! But he was always interested in life and people. I remember him once proudly showing me his collection of model aircraft. I was staggered by the number he had and asked him when he would get round to building them and where would he put them? He just chuckled. I remember a trip into the wilds of the Waitakere's, ostensibly to visit a client, but diverted to find the remains of a Grumman Avenger which he said was there.
I learnt a huge amount from Eric and counted him as dear friend. The world is poorer place for the absence of this wise, kind man.
My sincere condolences to his family. Especially Alan with whom I had many an interesting discussion in my office when he visited his Dad!

Gerald Warner

May 10, 2021

To my dear friend Eric.
I can't believe you've gone.
I will miss you like so many other peoples will, the hearts you touched, your humour, laughter, smile, generosity, kindness, knowledge, wisdom and of course jokes.
My life has been so so much richer for knowing you.
I loved listening to stories and tales of your life and experiences.
Our deepest loss is heavens massive gain.
See you again one day my friend.
Save me a spot at an air show

Andy Leach

March 7, 2020

Eric was the right size for us - we could look into his eyes when we spoke to him and his eyes were invariably sparkling as he conjured up his latest joke. He was such a warm, refreshing guy to get alongside and his interests were legion. He was always able to make a comment on the Government, full of stories about Corrections, up with the foibles of the Church and its ministers, full of information about aeroplanes and always seemed to have something to paint!
Eric we loved your sense of fun and your ability to see through the ridiculous things that people thought were important.
Your long association with St James has been noted.
Your work with the Elsie Steele Trust was loyal, thoughtful, and always cognisant of those in need.
On the day you died there was a picture of a Boeing Stearman biplane upside down on the Napier airport. We thought "There goes Eric with his legs in the air".
We hope that wherever you end up there are a great group of carefree, laughing cynics to keep you happy.
Love to Maureen and all the family at this time.
May God smile on you, brother.

From all members of The Elsie Steele Trust Board
& St James Church

March 5, 2020

Alan Coyle

February 29, 2020

Dear Friends

We were saddened to learn of the passing of our member Eric Coyle and would like to express our condolences and respects. He had been a member our Society since 1962 and had many friends who shared his keen interest in New Zealand aviation. We are grateful for his sustained membership and interests over so many years.
He will be missed.

Yours sincerely
Ron Ark
Hon Secretary & Treasurer
Aviation Historical Society of NZ Inc

February 29, 2020

Kind,generous and dependable. Always willing to help. Will miss the jokes.

February 29, 2020

Eric was a patient, kind and gentle man who was always good-humoured and would make time for anyone to chat. We miss you so much Eric and thank you for the support and affection you gave so willingly.

Thomas Shadbolt

Family

February 27, 2020

COYLE, Eric George. 18th August 1937 - 23rd February 2020. Beloved of Maureen, Step-Dad and wise counsel to Thrain, Tara, Thomas and Maria, adored Coyley of Alameda, Caleb, Ilena and James, loved brother in spirit of Carole, June and Jean, and Uncle to Mel and Rob. Ever generous with his time, DIY skills, plane photos and dad-jokes. Fly high, Coyley. "Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings"

February 29, 2020

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Memorial Events
for Eric COYLE

Mar

5

Service

12:30 p.m.

Dil's Funeral Services Ltd

185 Schnapper Rock Rd, Albany

Funeral services provided by:

Dil's Funeral Services Ltd

185 Schnapper Rock Rd, Albany