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Gabriel Coyoca Obituary
Gabe Coyoca or "Boots" as he was known to family and close friends died at the age of 45 on Monday, December 23, 2013, after a nine month long battle with Leukemia. Gabe was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on May 24, 1968, but grew up in Redondo Beach, California. He graduated from Redondo Union High School and San Diego State University. Gabe became a police officer in 1996, working first for the Costa Mesa Police Department, and subsequently the Beverly Hills Police Department, ultimately becoming a detective. Gabe was a football enthusiast, after playing the sport for many years. He loved watching the San Diego State Aztecs, and his parents' alma mater, the University of Michigan Wolverines, and his nephew's CIF championship high school football team. Gabe also loved the sun, the ocean and the beaches of southern California. But most of all, Gabe loved spending time with his wife Peachjunette and their son, Kainoa, age 9, and daughter, Katie, age 5. Gabe is also survived by his three sisters and their families, Gia Alarie, and her husband Michael, Lucia Bucklin, her husband Mark and their two children Olivia and Andrew, and Clarissa Coyoca and her daughter Camille. Gabe was preceded in death by his mother Dorothy, in 2006, and his father Gabriel Coyoca, in 2007. Gabe was loved by all for his easy going and laid back personality. Throughout his nine month battle, he remained resolutely optimistic and positive, never wanting to worry or trouble anyone with his struggles. There will be a viewing on Thursday, January 2, 2014 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Rice Mortuary, 5310 Torrance Blvd., Torrance CA. Services will be on Friday, January 3, 2014 at 11 a.m., at St. John Fisher Church, 5448 Crest Rd., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Gabriel Coyoca Family Fund, a college fund for Gabe's two young children, which has been set up by the Beverly Hills Police Department, in care of the Beverly Hills Employee Credit Union, 9298 W. Third Street, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gabriel Coyoca
Sean C Williams
November 20, 2024
My name is Sean Williams, Gabe "boots" and I attended Franklin Elementary school.
Fun fact, he and I were responsible for creating the Intellivision video game "Astrosmash".
We had the entire game outlined, including graphics.
His mother worked for Mattel at the time
He got to take our game called "Bubba Wars", stupid , I know to the dude who stole it, lock, stock and barrel and has since claimed he created it.
Nope, it was Gabriel and Sean, 2 eleven year olds.
Fun fact in the universe.
Tammy
December 24, 2022
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one´s today and always on the anniversary of the world losing a good man.
Stefan Viera
October 29, 2014
We played football together, lifted weights in your garage and tried to break dance. I went to RUHS for one year in 1984 and you were a welcoming, friendly soul. Thanks for your friendship! We both became public servants and I ended up responding to a traffic accident involving your father.
Take care my friend and I will see you on the other side.
Todd Combs
January 28, 2014
Great memories of a childhood friend, so sad. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
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Jacob Pringle
January 11, 2014
Boots, no amount of words can do you justice, but we will remember. You will be missed.
Boots and our buddy Ken back in '91
J Gordon
January 10, 2014
Very saddened to hear this news. Boots was admired and respected by all of his college friends at the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. We will truly miss him.
AEKDB Boots
Peter Wagener
January 10, 2014
A great man taken from us too early. Very sad to here of your passing, Brother. AEKDB
Jorge Menendez
January 8, 2014
Remembering Bootsie
William Marcopoulos
January 7, 2014
Met Boots back in the fall of 83' very softspoken and extremely kind, Had some really fun crazy times with him and Jerry Dufek, shocked and saddened upon hearing this untimely and heartbreaking news. Rest in Peace Boots
Pat Hunt
January 4, 2014
So sad to hear of this...RIP Boots...A great person who will truly be missed but never forgotten!!!
Robert Watt
January 4, 2014
A gentle giant of a man who will be missed, but never ever forgotten.
Brian and Susan Sodergren
January 4, 2014
Sending love and prayers to our California family. Boots will be forever missed. He will be remembered with pride as our cousin, a true Michigan fan, and for the work he did for others. Brian, Susan, and Family
January 2, 2014
Love you Gabe! You were my mentor, partner, and most of all, my very good friend! I will remember you and carry you with me always. - "JP JP in the place to be".
Hector Felix
January 2, 2014
Boots Coyoca will always be remembered
Paul Popp & Sharon Klecka - Popp
January 1, 2014
My family extends to you our deepest sympathies as our heart goes out to the entire Coyoca family during this difficult time.
I have many great memories growing up with Gabe "Bootsie" in the neighborhood.
Nancy Boylan
January 1, 2014
Bootsie,
I will always rememberyour beautiful smile.
Much love,
Nancy Boylan
Kevin Lynch
December 31, 2013
Bootsie, you have been my friend since 2nd grade. Even if its been a few years since we got together, you will always be my friend. I miss you tremendously. Thoughts and prayers to your family.
Adrian Acosta
December 31, 2013
Boots - I always considered you a good friend when we were at RUHS and I am honored to be your a Brother in Blue. I was so glad that we were able to share messages over the last several months and only hope that it offered some comfort. I know that your family is going through a tough time now but rest assured that they will be taken care of through the love and support of your friends and blue family. Until we meet again, Brother. Rest in Peace.
Dan Swanson
December 31, 2013
I miss you Boots. You were a great friend.
December 31, 2013
Our prayers are with all of Boot's family and many friends. I will always have great memories of Boots; a great athlete, humble and courageous in life and an inspiration to all who were touched by his presence.
Jaime Flores
December 31, 2013
Remembering BOOTS
Always smiling
Jennifer Aust Norwood
December 30, 2013
RUHS Brothers
Jennifer Aust Norwood
December 30, 2013
The boys
Jennifer Aust Norwood
December 30, 2013
Boots with his RUHS family
Jennifer Aust Norwood
December 30, 2013
Tammy Cowden
December 30, 2013
Too young and too soon such a loss for a wonderful family. Thinking of you all during the most difficult time. May your memories comfort you all he will always be with you.
RUHS family will miss you!!!! Xoxoxo
Jennifer Aust Norwood
December 30, 2013
Boots you will truly be missed by so many.... Prayers to your wife, children, sisters, family, friends, RUHS family and your police family. You were always kind to every one and I will never forget you amazing smile and gentle giant personality!!!! You gave your heart and soul to all those around you. We have a true angel amount us.
Lisa Gladney (Geddie)
December 30, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with the Coyoca Family.
RIP Boots
Ann Rutledge
December 30, 2013
You will be missed by everyone who was fortunate to know you. Prayers and hugs to the family.
Wayne Scheppers
December 30, 2013
Peachjunette, I knew Gabe from Costa Mesa..You and your children are in my prayers at this difficult time.
Wayne Scheppers
December 30, 2013
Peachjunette, I send my condolences to you. I knew Gabe from Costa Mesa PD.
latanya
December 29, 2013
RIP Ofcr. Gabriel Coyoca. Thank you for your service
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