Lester H. Coyle

Lester Hudson Coyle, Jr., passed away September 23, 2014 at McKee Medical Center, Loveland. He was 75 years old.He was born February 28, 1939 in Longmont, CO to Lester Hudson, Sr. and Matilda (Anderson) Coyle. Growing up Les was a Boy Scout and attained the rank of Eagle Scout. Les would work at his father's bakery, Les's Pastry Shop at 410 Main St. He was a 1957 graduate of Longmont High School where he was a two sport athlete in track and football. Les was State champion in the discus his senior year and participated in the first All State football game, an honor that was also accomplished by his son and two grandsons. He went on to attend and graduate in 1962 from the University of Colorado with a BS in adapted and physical education. He later earned a Master's degree in School Administration. There he was also a member of the football and track teams and a member of the ATO fraternity. On June 11, 1961 in Longmont he married Sandra Kay Powell. Following their marriage, he began a career as a teacher and coach; first for a year in Aurora, followed by a 12 years in the Boulder Valley, where he first taught elementary PE and science at Martin Park school in Boulder on Mon., Wed. and Friday, and on Tues. and Thurs. he would drive to and teach classes in Nederland, Jamestown and Gold Hill, before moving to Fairview High School for 9 years. It was during his tenure at Fairview that the school moved from its original location on Cherry Vale and Baseline roads to its present location on Greenbrier Blvd. In addition to teaching, Les also coached high school track and football. Like many teachers, he would work summers as a life guard at Boulder Reservoir, had a firewood business, was a licensed tree surgeon, and later he and Sandy owned and operated a Putt-Putt golf course on 17 and Main St. in Longmont. In 1974 he transitioned to a career in Real Estate. He began with Nein and Company in Boulder that became Moore and Company. In 1976 he moved to Longmont and as the managing broker, opened the Moore office here. Les continued as a Realtor, but also expanded into real estate development and general contracting operating as Stonehedge Homes and Coyle Construction. Les built over 300 homes, plus several commercial projects. His last project was the Tanglewood Condos on east 21st Ave. He retired in 2002.In 1994 Les and Sandy moved to their dream home near Carter Lake and have resided there since.Les is a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, a former member and Past President of Longmont Rotary Club, Longmont Board of Realtors and the Longmont Rod and Gun Club. He was a USATF certified Track and Field Official at CU and for high schools for 40 years, He enjoyed many activities including having a private pilot's license, hunting, hiking and mountain climbing. When he was 60 Les challenged himself to climb all of Colorado's 14ers. Although he, along with Sandy, only completed 27 (in one year's time) it was an accomplishment he was proud of. He was a boating enthusiast, owning many and taking many boating trips. In their 40' trawler, they completed the Great Loop, which g s from Florida to Canada along the East coast; through the Great Lakes and down the Illinois, Ohio, and Mississippi rivers, a journey of 8,000 miles, (at 9 knots) that they did over a 2 year period. Les was also a wood worker and carver, making many fine jewelry boxes and toys for grandchildren. He was an avid fan of his grandkid's, rarely missing a competition. He found a way to share his support and expertise with all of them. Les mentored and was involved in the lives of many young athletes, other than his own children and grandchildren, by serving as a volunteer track coach and by showing his genuine interest in them. He is preceded in death by his parents. Les is survived by his wife Sandy, son Eric (Cyn) Coyle and daughter Jenean (Kerby) Wetterstrom, seven grandchildren Rebecca (Matt) Liebing, Scotland Coyle, McCartney Coyle, Navy Coyle, Forrest Wetterstrom, Sydney Wetterstrom and Annika Wetterstrom and one great grandson Beau Liebing.Visitation will be 4-6pm Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014 at the Ahlberg Funeral Chapel, with family present to greet friends. Funeral service will be 10:30am Monday, Sept. 29 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Interment at Longmont Mountain View Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Melanoma Research Foundation or Boy Scouts of America and sent in care of Ahlberg Funeral Chapel. Visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to share condolences.