MAJOR HENRY (HANK) YPRES COYSTON

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MAJOR HENRY (HANK) YPRES COYSTON June 1916 - September 2000 Hank passed away peacefully, September 12, 2000, at Lions Manor in Winnipeg. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 55 years Eileen (Topsy) in 1999, his brother Albert in 1944, and son Peter in 1959. Hank is survived by two daughters and two sons, Gillian Warren (Rob) of Toronto and Deborah Flaherty (Jack) of Winnipeg, Bud Coyston of Winnipeg, and Michael Coyston (Dawne) of Kelowna and eight grandchildren, Kirsten, Natalie (Andy), Leah, John (Kathy), Nicole (Jay), Katrina, Brad and Samantha, as well as two great-grandchildren Kayla and Haily. Hank was born in Oshawa, Ontario, moving to Galt with his family in his early youth. He attended Galt Collegiate during his teen years where he excelled in many sports. Prior to the Second World War Hank played professional hockey with the Florida Pirates of the American Hockey League. At the outbreak of the war he voluntarily joined the Canadian Army and went overseas with the 11th Army Field Regiment, RCR. He saw action in Italy, Germany and Holland. While overseas on training duties in England he met and married Eileen (Topsy) Day. At the conclusion of the war Topsy and Hank moved to Galt, Ontario where Hanks mother and father were living. After several years they moved to London where Hank joined the HLI militia and worked at 27 COD. A highlight of his time with the HLI was receiving a sword from Prince Phillip when the regiment received its colours. In 1970 he was transferred to Ottawa with Supply and Service where he remained until his retirement in 1981. Throughout his life Hank spent many years coaching baseball and hockey as well as holding various positions on the governing boards for these leagues. Topsy and Hank loved to dance. A lasting memory for friends and family is seeing them glide around the dance floor to a big band tune. "Tho I shall not pass your way again you will not forget me as I have left footprints on your soul that will last a lifetime." A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, September 21 at 2:00 p.m. in Green Acres Funeral Chapel, Hwy. #1 East at Green Acres Lane. Interment at a later date with his own, Topsy and Peter in London, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made in Hanks memory to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 10-120 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2. GREEN ACRES FUNERAL CHAPEL 222 - 3241

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 20, 2000