"David was a bright light at work. He always stopped by my desk to say hi and share a joke or an interesting factoid. I'm grateful for the time I got to know him; truly one of the best. "
In loving memory of
David M. Coyne
July 10, 1956 - January 7, 2024
Born in Rochester, and a longtime resident of St. Paul, MN.
He was predeceased by his mother, Marie Coyne. He was survived by his father Robert Coyne, who passed on Jan. 24, 2024. He is survived by siblings Douglas (twin) & Randall Coyne, sister, Patricia (David) Cona, and Robert (Heather McDonald) Coyne.
Visitation for David and his father Robert will be on Monday, January 29th from 3-7 pm at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Ln., 14626. His Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, at 10:30 am at Holy Cross Church, 4492 Lake Ave., followed by entombment at Riverside Cemetery.
Remembering David Coyne
David was a 1974 graduate of Charlotte High School in Rochester, NY where he excelled in track, cross-country and academics. He earned his bachelor's degree in philosophy from the State University of New York at Binghamton in 1978. From there, he headed west to the University of California, Berkeley to obtain a law degree, serving in the prestigious role of Editor of the California Law Review in his final year. After graduation in 1981, he ran San Francisco's famously quirky 12K "Bay to Breakers" race in his cap and gown!
Dave was highly recruited by law firms but chose the Twin Cities in Minnesota as his home, accepting an offer to specialize in product liability and copyright law at the firm Grant, Plant, Mooty, Mooty & Bennett. He maintained a sense of humor about his chosen career, delighting in telling numerous "lawyer jokes" at any opportunity.
After some time, his level of intellectual curiosity led him to resign his full-time position to enroll as a graduate student studying Philosophy at the University of Minnesota and ultimately teaching at U of M and St. Catherine's University.
Dave was perhaps best known around Minnesota and the world for his ultimate passion - promoting and coaching the sport of running. Among many, many achievements in the running world, he served as Twin Cities Marathon board member, helped establish the national organization "Running USA" and founded the Twin Cities Running Club. In 2011 he was named by Runner's World magazine as a "local hero" for his commitment to coaching.
Dave's sudden, unexpected death was met with shock and profound sadness from his family, friends, hometown and in the Twin Cities running community, as expressed in these articles published in the Minneapolis Star Tribune. In addition to his brothers and sister he is survived by his nieces and nephews Lindsey Cona, Aidan & Brenna Coyne and Charlie McCoy as well as many friends and colleagues around the world.
Star Tribune obituary links:
https://www.startribune.com/dave-coyne-death-twin-cities-running-club/600333355/
https://www.startribune.com/david-coyne-twin-cities-running/600334174/
Tributes
"David was truly one of the nicest and happiest people I have ever met. I worked with him doing document review in the Twin Cities for many years, and I don't remember him ever having a bad day. His presence will be missed. Trina Morrison"
"Doug, I am saddened to learn of Dave's passing. I have so many fond memories of our high school days and the fun our crew had together. Obviously Dave went on to live a full life with many accomplishments, and that's no surprise. I send deepest sympathy to you and the entire Coyne family. May Dave and your dad rest in peace. Janet Ward "