ANDREW PAUL COYNE

Wasilla resident Andrew Paul Coyne, 44, died Dec. 23, 2003, at his home of natural causes.

A memorial service was held Dec. 26 at 2 p.m. at Wasilla Assembly of God Church in Wasilla. Pastor Ed Kalnins officiated.

Mr. Coyne was born Nov. 11, 1959, in Covington, La.

He moved to Alaska with his family in May 1969.

Mr. Coyne graduated from Palmer High School in 1977.

He worked in the oilfield for Nabor Alaska Drilling until the early '90s. In 1993 he moved back to Louisiana where he worked as a tree trimmer. He returned to Alaska in 2002 to be near his family.

Mr. Coyne's family said, "Andy was a Christian man who loved fishing, shooting, reading and spending time with his family. He is best remembered by family and friends as a 'Gentle Giant.'"

Mr. Coyne is survived by his parents Bob and Patsy Coyne; sister Angela Reavis; brothers Cleve, Wes and O'Neal Coyne; son Jason Garwood; girlfriend Chris Wilson; stepson Bryn Wilson; uncle Herbie Coyne; and several nieces and nephews.

His brother Keith Coyne preceded him in death in 1999.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Backcountry Avalanche Awareness and Response Team, 1830 E. Parks Highway, Suite 113, PMB 403, Wasilla, AK 99654. BAART is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating individuals of avalanche hazards.

Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory in Wasilla.