William E. Coyne

I, Bill Coyne, am a very fortunate man!! Born in Toronto Canada in 1936 into a family of 8, my mother and father taught me by example, the value of hard work, integrity, honesty, a good education, and family! I was fortunate to be part of an education system that prepared me for future success at two world class universities, the University of Toronto, and the University of Virginia. At the latter, I met and married an exceptional woman who over the last 60 years taught me about love, caring for others, and how to live a very rewarding life. She blessed me with three beautiful children who also taught me about love, and each in their own way have had a profound and positive impact on me. I was fortunate to work with two world class scientific companies, GD Searle and 3M Co, learning how to turn science into products that enhanced life for everyone. Our two daughters blessed us with grandchildren, each of whom brought tremendous joy and are each on the path to a very successful and rewarding life. Friends have been another central element in my life and I celebrate every one of them and thank them for the gifts they have been to me and my family. The above obituary was written by Bill. The rest has been added by his loving family. William Edwin Coyne was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on December 3, 1936, to parents Lela Moran Coyne and Dr. John Thomas Coyne. Bill was a 32-year employee of the 3M company in St. Paul, Minnesota where he was privileged to work with so many dedicated, ethical, bright, and talented employees in a number of divisions. Additionally, he served on a number of different boards and organizations in the US and Canada. Bill is survived by his wife of 60 years, Winnie Faye Sheffield (Winkie) Coyne, daughters Lara (Larry) Gorman, and Bethany (John Barcia) Coyne, 8 treasured grandchildren, Meredith, Benjamin, William, Peter (Cassandra), Oliver, Henry, Caroline, and Xyzavionn, his twin brother, Dr. John (Anne) Coyne, a number of nieces, nephews, their families, and many lifelong wonderful friends. Bill passed away peacefully in his home in Keswick, VA on November 30th surrounded with love and care from his wife and 2 daughters. If by chance you wish to remember him, do it with a kind deed or word to someone who needs you. If you do, he will live on forever. A service of Thanksgiving will take place in Hudson, Wisconsin in 2024.