Obituary: Douglas Coy Miles

Douglas Coy Miles

15 August 1916 ~ 4 July 2008

Douglas Coy Miles, in his 92nd year, died on July 4th, at 9:45 p.m. of congestive heart failure. After a perfect day surrounded by family and friends, Coy was in good spirits, and ready to fly away as fireworks lit the night sky - a fitting tribute to a noble soul. Coy was born in Baker, Oregon, to Earl and Verdie Miles, third of four children. He served an East Central States LDS mission, 1936-38. Coy attended BYU where he was active in student affairs, and fell in love with Blanche Bowen. The day after Pearl Harbor he joined the US Navy, and commanded a Martin PBM Mariner flying boat in the Pacific.

Blanche became his "war bride" on Jan. 26, 1943, in Corpus Christie, Texas, marriage later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. After the war he earned a law degree from the Utah School of Law, and was an active member of the Utah bar throughout his life.

Coy was a very gifted salesman. He established O.C. Tanner's first national sales force. In 1955 he joined the L.G. Balfour Co. as national sales manager, and worked with Chevrolet and GM, creating original incentive programs. Coy designed many well-known awards for the LDS Church, among them the Duty to God award, Relief Society pendant, Articles of Faith wall hangings. He was the principal originator and supplier of the CTR ring. He traveled the world during his life and built lasting friendships in many lands.

Coy was active in the LDS church and had a testimony of his Savior. He was a gifted teacher and taught seminary at West High, and was a guide at Temple Square.

Throughout his life Coy was optimistic, determined and cheerful; his final words to his grandchildren were "I feel super! And remember me on the 4th of July."

Coy loved his family, including in-laws, nieces and nephews, and was proud of them.

He is survived by Blanche, his wife of 65 years, their three children - Bowen (Denise), Kent (Linda), Margo (Nelson) Anderl - and by grandchildren Lindsay and Sam Miles, Alex and Hannah Kate Anderl, Corbett, John, and CJ Miles.

His family thanks Larry DeVries, Stan Parrish, Bishop Greg Brinton, Elder John Carmack, the extraordinarily kind and helpful members of the Federal Heights Ward, the staff of IMC Thoracic Care ICU, Dr. Kevin Walsh, Dr. George Thomsen, Dr. Lyle Berry, and all those who cared for and visited him during his last days; thanks also to nephews Dr. Glen Bowen and Dr. Craig Jensen for their love and assistance.

A celebration of Coy's life will be held on Friday, July 11th, 6-8 p.m., with memorial service on Sat., July 12th at noon, both at Federal Heights Ward, 1300 Fairfax Rd, SLC, UT 84103. Friends may visit family one hour prior to the service on Sat. Coy loved flowers, but would prefer donations to the Perpetual Education Fund, (801) 422-3945. Online condolences www.larkincares.com