Randy Coyle— 1949 - 2008
   It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce Randy Coyle died tragically on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008, on a remote beach in Panama, Central America.
   Randy was born Dec. 23, 1949 in Unity, Sask. and most recently resided in Calgary. He grew up with his family on various horticultural experimental farms throughout the prairies.
   Randy always had a love for the sea and joined the Canadian Navy as an electrical tradesman and leading seaman, stationed in Halifax, N.S. and Victoria, B.C.
   After leaving the navy, he became a firefighter and paramedic and worked for the fire departments in both Lethbridge and Nelson, B.C. Randy changed careers in 1979, attended school in Houston, Texas and became a drilling fluid engineer. He worked domestically in Canada for a few years but the majority of his working life was spent overseas, working on offshore drilling platforms in several countries in both the Middle East and Africa on a monthly rotation basis out of Canada. In the 1980s, Randy, Linda and Jason lived together in Kuwait.

   Randy was a hard worker, enjoyed the challenges of his work overseas and was well respected for his knowledge and expertise in his field. He was particularly proud that he had worked on all of the various types of offshore platforms from jack-ups, semi-submersibles, and finally a deep-sea drilling ship. Through the years, he had realized many accomplishments and firsts with companies such as Kuwait Oil Co., ExxonMobil and Chevron.
   Randy loved adventure and always lived his life and each day to the fullest. He was witty, had an excellent sense of humor and was a big tease. He was a very generous man and provider and shared all of his abundance with both his family and friends. His passions were gardening, cooking and boating. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for 41 years.
   Randy was a loving husband and best friend of his wife Linda of 38 years; a proud and loving father of his son Jason Coyle (Kristin Thomas); and he will be sadly missed by his son Eric Nelson; his mother Thea Chapman; his sister Jacquie Chapman (Stan), Steven, Jennifer (Don Jones) Tyler and Gabe; his sister Cheri Gibbons (David) Erin and Nicole; his brother Dorsey DeWitt (Roberta) Stacey; Murray Skelding (Doreen) and family; George Skelding (Debbie) and family; Edgar Skelding (Lissa) and family and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
   Randy was predeceased and will be welcomed home by his father, Jack Coyle, his grandparents John and Alice Coyle; an infant son, Randy Coyle, Jr. and stepfather, Frank Chapman.
   A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at Trinity United Church, 220 20th St., Fort Macleod on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008, at 2 p.m.
   Forward condolences to Eden’s Funeral Home at edens@telusplanet.net. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you please consider a charity of your choice.