Christopher Michael Coyle

A Tribute to a Life Well-Lived and Well-Loved

Christopher M. Coyle “Chris” --- who lived a life of service by always being the first to lend a hand, to provide support, to share his wisdom, to lift someone up with his humor and wit, and who was loved by all who were blessed by his generosity of spirit --- unexpectedly passed on March 23, 2022 at age 72, in the Fairfield home he shared with his beloved wife Patti.

A man of strong faith, Chris lived to serve people, and the friends and individuals he met along the way will all miss his warm welcoming demeanor, his smile, and the sparkle in his eyes that made all who knew him feel welcome and special.

Chris’ love of people and animals was manifested through his compassionate commitment to helping others. His lifetime of service is reflected across his life careers and activities, with 20+ years in the Westport, CT Fire Department and fire services industry; 20+ years devoted to volunteering in therapeutic horseback riding and (EAS) equine assisted services for both High Hopes Therapeutic Riding and Pegasus Therapeutic Riding; 44 years sharing his guidance and strength and wisdom and hope to those in recovery; and nearly 50 years of building and remodeling contracting services.

Growing up in Westport, CT and living in Fairfield since 1976, Chris graduated Staples High School and attended New England Aeronautical Institute in Nashua, NH (now Webster College) where his focus was in Engineering.

Chris joined the Westport, CT Firefighter family as a volunteer fireman at age 16. In 1973, he began his successful career as a member of the Westport Fire Department, rising through the ranks, becoming a Lieutenant and eventually, Assistant Chief retiring in 1994. He was strongly respected as an Officer, consistently demonstrating his competent, confident, and compassionate leadership style and ability to execute well thought-out decisions. Mild mannered and with a great sense of humor, Chris was known for his compassion for his colleagues and people in general. You could count on him playing a good practical joke and being graceful when on the receiving end of one.

During his career, Chris fostered the training and growth of the Westport volunteer fire organization, of which he had been a part. He encouraged volunteers in assisting the career department and applied and used their qualifications as a guide when utilizing them on the fireground. The volunteers truly appreciated his approach. Chris also held many educational qualifications and was proudly involved in the growth of the Fairfield County Hazardous Materials Team. He was Co-Chairman of the organization and helped build it to the premier team it is today.

Also a long serving member and officer of the Westport Firefighters Benevolent Association, Chris donated his time and skills to serve the Westport Community and the many charitable organizations they assisted.

Throughout all these organizations, Chris’ intelligence, easy-going manner, and seemingly limitless capacity to serve made him a natural leader and mentor. From him there was never heard a discouraging word. His commitment in fire services has been an inspiration to many in the industry.

Chris was also a valued volunteer and friend to many in the therapeutic riding and EAS industry, which benefits individuals with differing abilities through working with horses. He first became involved in early 2000, when he followed Patti close behind as she pursued her second career. He became a rock of unconditional support for her, of course, bestowing his unending supply of positive energy into the new endeavors, for which Patti and everyone they met in the industry will be eternally grateful. He developed a passion for the people and animals he met, embracing the valuable work he discovered in EAS as yet another opportunity to serve.

At High Hopes Chris wore many volunteer hats, improving lives in so many capacities through his innate leadership skills and his extensive talents in engineering and construction. He volunteered weekly in the therapeutic riding program to assist his dear friend Carolyn with her clients. His public servant experience as a fireman helped contribute to safety and risk management standards. As shown throughout his life, Chris could organize anything. He assisted in the design, development and building of a sensory trail system, enjoyed by many riders and staff and volunteers over the years. Chris proudly served as a High Hopes Trustee for nine years and truly loved all High Hopes stood for, the incredible work they do, and all friendships he developed during his 20 years of service.

A true friend to Pegasus Therapeutic Riding as well, Chris volunteered countless hours putting his immense engineering and building skills to work. Friends of Pegasus will remember Chris for raising the bar on communications efficiency. He employed his incredible knowledge of electronics to become radio and walkietalkie extraordinaire at both High Hopes and Pegasus events and could be counted on to ensure the integrity of group communications during events --- always with an eye on safety. His role as the much-anticipated announcer at the Pegasus Annual Horse Shows, pleasing each rider as he called their names, was a source of immense joy to him, as it was for the riders and audience alike. As a lifelong music lover (and musician), Chris also spent hours organizing soundtracks of music to play for everyone’s entertainment and enjoyment throughout the events.

For such outstanding contributions and more, Chris has been recognized at the local, regional and national levels in the therapeutic riding and EAS field for his outstanding volunteer service, receiving the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International Volunteer of the Year award in 2013. As a volunteer, he was the stuff of legends. The entire High Hopes, Pegasus, and EAS families will remember his commitment, humor, and compassion.

Meanwhile, in his “spare” time, Chris’ building and remodeling business that he began nearly half a century ago still kept him busy. He served his business clients and many friends with gifted craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. He could be relied upon to build or fix anything, another of Chris’ amazing talents that he would never tout on his own. The engineer and problem solver in Chris never lost his endless curiosity for tinkering with everything electronic and mechanical. He could take one look at a problem and quickly figure out how to dismantle, fix or reconstruct it. His skills in this area were utilized to the fullest in every aspect of his life and benefited many.

Chris’ compassion for others was also demonstrated in his genuine interest in helping others who were facing serious life challenges related to recovery. His ability to do so was rooted in his own recovery from alcoholism, being sober for the past 44 years. Yet he was not content in achieving his own sobriety, extending his hand to countless others who were struggling with substance abuse, offering guidance and shepherding those who were lost. He was always ready with an infectious laugh, but just as ready with a short discussion to help them regain their perspective. His loss will be strongly felt among the community of recovering people.

Although Chris’ humility precluded him from taking credit for his many achievements, there was no mistaking the genuine pride he took in his relationship with Patti. Married in 1986 after being high school sweethearts years earlier, their togetherness was an inspiration to many who knew them. They fully inspired and supported each other in their careers and service.

To so many, Chris and Patti exemplified what a loving, respectful, and truly supportive lifelong partnership can be. At the many activities they shared in which they worked together, you could tell from his grin: Chris was always at home with Patti. Chris loved making the world a better place and making the people they both love part of their large, extended families. There will always be an ache in our hearts for Chris, yet in our hearts the love he and Patti shared will also always resonate.

So much of Chris’s joy came from extending his friendship and helping others. His life of service is reflected in his many loyal years with the Westport Fire Department; in how he helped individuals to pursue their dreams through the interactive business model he and Patti shared; in his extensive volunteerism; in always being available for friends and acquaintances in times of need. His passing is a loss to all who have been touched by his love, guidance, and gentle spirit. Chris, your good nature, your wit, your everexpanding intelligence, your humility, your quiet, gentle strength, and your devotion to service will always be missed. This world has truly lost one of its most compassionate and humble souls.

No, it will never seem right that you’re not here to make things better, or fix something that is broken, or benefit from your guidance and strength and wisdom, or care for and unconditionally love and accept your beloved spirited kitty, Cloe. But there is some consolation in knowing that you left the glow of your love and spirit with every life you touched. And that those left behind can rest assured… that the Pearly Gates of Heaven no longer squeak.

Chris was predeceased by his parents, Mary Ferrell Coyle Niesler and Edward Thomas Coyle, and by his stepfather, Howard A. Niesler. He is survived by his beloved wife Patti; his brothers John and Larry Coyle; nephew John R. Coyle; niece Traci Anne Coyle Nabors; and great-nieces Tori and Brooke Nabors.

Chris was the proud godparent to godsons Blair Thomas Westby-Gibson, Alex Westby- Gibson, and to goddaughter Rebecca Lee; he so cherished them all.

He is also survived by his valued friend Carolyn Jagielski, with whom he shared many special accomplishments and memories; by the Lees, whose family Chris and Patti have always been honored to consider as part of their own family; by the countless other family members, incredible friends and caring neighbors who Chris adored; and by his special kitty, Cloe.

Arrangements are in the care of The Fairfield Funeral Home of Edmund W. Dougiello, 36 South Pine Creek Road, Fairfield, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 9 at 11am in the St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, 149 South Pine Creek Road, Fairfield. A private burial will take place at a later date. Immediately following the Mass, a reception will be held in the parish hall with light refreshments.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Chris’/Assistant Chief Coyle’s’ memory to one of these organizations he so loved:

High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Old Lyme, CT www.highhopestr.org

Pegasus Therapeutic Riding, Brewster, NY www.pegasustr.org

Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation (WUFCF) https://www.wufcf.org/donate-now/