William Albert Coyner

He was born in Winchester Indiana to John Coyner and Mary Baker on December 4, 1928. After his high school graduation at age 17, he joined the U.S. Navy. After bootcamp, he was sent to Sandpoint Naval Air Station in Seattle Washington. This move enabled him to meet the love of his life; Polly Ann Johnson who he affectionately called "Red". They celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary on August 28, 2022.

During the next twenty years as an aircraft tech, Bill had many adventures, his planes losing several engines while flying around the world. He made stops in Japan, Hawaii, Greenland, the Azores, and Jamaica. After retiring from the Navy, he spent the next twenty years working for the U.S. Postal Service in Mercer Island and Kirkland Washington.

Bill enjoyed meeting and talking with people and was a member of Toastmasters. He completed many stained glass projects and, with Polly, created many wood craft items that they sold at local craft fairs.

He enjoyed the out-of-doors, gardening, hunting, and especially fishing. From smelt, to forty consecutive trout opening days, to his annual salmon charter trips, that continued into his 80's.

Bill and Polly wore out three pick-up trucks and campers with their many years of traveling around the state and country. Their favorite weekend activity for many years was searching for "treasures" at local yard sales.

Bill had a long history of community service, including; Little League coach and umpire, and working with Polly at the Kirkland Food Bank. Over the years, they were foster parents to 21 children. Bill was a long term volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America on the local and council level. He was presented the Silver Beaver award for distinguished service. He was a member of American Legion Post 99 for 44 years and served on the honor guard team at Tahoma National Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest.

Bill attended and served in several churches throughout his life. He helped with the establishment and construction of buildings with the Methodist, Baptist, and Presbyterian faiths.

Most pictures of Bill contain at least one of his beloved pets. Over the years he enjoyed spoiling numerous cats and dogs including Big Boy, Patches, Oreo, Jet, Susie, Puff, Pierre, Cinders, and Sophie.

He is survived by his loving wife Polly, sons Steve and Tom, three grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.