Bill Coyle, 77, formerly of Fortuna, passed away on September 9, 2018, after a long illness.

Born in Childress, Texas, on July 24, 1941, to Albert and Roxie (Walker) Coyle, Bill attended school in Bentley, Oklahoma before moving with his family to Stockton, California. He graduated from Franklin High School in 1959 and afterwards served as an avionics technician in the US Air Force until 1963. After graduating from San Jose State University and earning a teaching credential, Bill taught high school in Santa Rosa. In 1972, he moved to Eureka to begin teaching electronics at College of the Redwoods, a position he held for over 30 years until his retirement. During his tenure, he helped many hundreds of students train for careers in the electronics industry.

Bill moved to Fortuna in 1974. He met and married his wife, Betty, in 1979. After retirement, the two of them enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren, raising irises, fishing, visiting air shows and air museums, and traveling the country in their RV. They were active members of Wood Street Chapel in Fortuna and made many dear friends there.

Bill was diagnosed with cancer in 2014. During his four-year bout with the disease, he remained his usual upbeat and cheerful self. He moved to Round Rock, Texas, to be near his daughter toward the end of his treatment.

Bill is survived by his children, Chris Coyle (Jody) of Taylors, South Carolina, and Lisa Nelson (Mike) of Round Rock, Texas; a brother, James, and sisters Marilyn, Janey, and Roxie; seven grandchildren — Shannon, Samuel, and Kathleen Coyle; Brad, Daniel, and Sarah Jane Hales; and Caree Brooks (Scott); a great-grandson, Torin Brooks; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Betty (Johnson) Coyle.

A private family interment service will take place at 3 p.m., Friday, October 19, at Fortuna’s Sunrise Cemetery, followed by a 2 p.m. “Remembrance of Life” celebration on Saturday, October 20, at Wood Street Chapel in Fortuna.

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