Jim Coyne

October 3, 2018
Jim Coyne passed away peacefully at Laurel Place Hospice in Surrey on Wednesday October 3rd, 2018. He is survived by his loving wife and soulmate, Marion, devoted daughter Sara (Des) and beloved grandchildren Erin, Emily and Liam. As always, he was surrounded by his loving family including siblings Vin (Jean), Terry (Linda), Nora (Ted), Beth (Derwyn) and Debbie (Doug). Predeceased by father Terry, mother Bess, brother Tim and step-son Rodney. Also survived by his first wife Wendy, and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, as well as cousins, both in Canada and Britain. He will also be missed greatly by many close and life-long friends.

Jim was born in Heswall, Cheshire, England in 1940 and moved to White Rock in 1947, settling in Ocean Park in 1956. Jim was a graduate of Semiahmoo Secondary in 1958 and of U.B.C. in 1964. He had an adventurous life as a young man, working on the CPR, in canneries along the BC Coast and in mining exploration in both B.C. and Yukon, before returning to university to complete his teacher training. He taught in the Surrey School District for 34 years, mainly teaching Social Studies and Law. As an STA Rep he worked hard to improve working conditions for teachers. He was also a strong advocate for students from different backgrounds and was proud to have taught young people from over 60 countries. He was a founding member of the Frank Hurt Football Program, with help from dedicated parents at the school. As a lifelong sports fan and coach, he was a devoted Yankees fan and spent many happy hours watching baseball, football and hockey.

After retirement Jim and Marion travelled widely, exploring more of Canada as well as other countries. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, as well as reading, and enjoying his lovely garden. A special thanks to the homecare providers and hospice nursing staff for their compassionate care of Jim in his final months.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday October 19th at Morgan Creek Golf Course in Surrey.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Amnesty International, Easter Seals Canada, or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.