Every SAR Flag Flies at Half-Mast for Mike Coyle

He passed away on Saturday. It seemed as though the skies themselves wept that day.

The members of Lions Bay Search and Rescue are deeply saddened by the passing of Mike Coyle.

This weekend, the Search and Rescue community has lost one of its own. Mike was a respected SAR Manager, mentor, and friend whose commitment to helping others spanned nearly 3 decades. His dedication to Search and Rescue and the outdoor community touched countless lives, both directly and indirectly.

The loss of someone who has given so much of themselves in service to others is felt far beyond a single team. It is felt throughout the entire Search and Rescue and hiking community, among those who had the privilege of serving alongside him, learning from him, and calling him a friend.

We are especially grateful to our brothers and sisters at Squamish Search and Rescue, who brought Mike down - there is no harder task in SAR than walking out one of your own. As we grieve the loss of a friend, the wider Squamish community also mourns the loss of a familiar face — someone who was so often found where he loved to be: on the trails and in the mountains.

On behalf of everyone at Lions Bay Search and Rescue, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Mike's family, friends, and all of our colleagues at Coquitlam Search and Rescue. Our thoughts are with you as you navigate this unimaginable loss.

Thank you, Mike, for your years of service, your leadership, and the difference you made in so many lives. You will be deeply missed, and your legacy will continue to inspire those who follow in your footsteps.

You will not be forgotten.