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Stephen Coya Obituary
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June 22, 2009
We were so sad when we heard the news about Steve. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mary Beth, Gina, Karen, Bobbi and their families.
Donna and Phil Clark
Allison Mankin
June 14, 2009
In many years that we worked together at IETF, Steve was supportive, warm and funny. He cared about those of us who worked with him and we had a lot of great times. And he used tremendous people skills with the IETF's "colorful" characters. I'm very sad about his passing.
Cathy Aronson
June 11, 2009
I will always remember Steve as the crazy guy who danced for hours with Elise and me at the Memphis IETF.
He will be missed.
Debbi Joines
June 10, 2009
Steve was my oldest and only male cousin. Though I didn't get to see or speak to him often, he was always in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with Mary Beth, Gina, Bobbie, Karen and the family. I love you all dearly.
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John Stewart
June 10, 2009
Steve was one of my bosses at CNRI in my first job out of college. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I add my thoughts and prayers to his family. I also will hold dear everything he did for each of us as individuals and all he did for our community.
Megan Walnut
June 10, 2009
There isn't room here to express all the thoughts and memories I have of Steve. Like everyone else, I remember
so many times laughing with him, or at him :-) I especially remember our Thursday morning breakfasts at each IETF meeting, when we'd discuss the meeting over bagels and lox. I am so sad and so sorry Mary Beth. We are praying for you. Love, Megan, David, John and Genna.
Jim Johnson
June 10, 2009
If laughing were an Olympic event there would only ever be one winner. RIP Mate.
Kathy Roesle-Blush
June 8, 2009
I worked with Steve on M Street at MCI Mail. I remember most his sense of humor and very large laugh - you couldn't help but laugh too. I am saddened beyond words -- he will be missed.
Peggy Rightnour
June 8, 2009
We are so sad to lose Steve and our thoughts an prayers go to his family and Mary Beth.
I remember when Steve, Mary Beth, my husband and I were vacationing together in London. We were returning to our hotel on the "tube" late one evening. There was a woman in the subway car who was "in her cups" (aka drunk) and nearly coming "out of her cups" (aka bra). Steve decided the whole car needed a diversion, so he started singing "Daydream Believer" and got everyone on the car (roughly 10 or so) to all start singing the song. It is in that joyous moment that I will always remember Steve.
Ned Freed
June 8, 2009
"I am not a geek! I just have geek tendencies!" That's how I remember Steve, proclaiming that standing on a chair in a DC restaurant. After he accused someone else - I forget who - of being a geek, I challenged Steve by pointing out that in effect runing the entire IETF from a spreadsheet on his laptop was the epitome of geekiness. That was his response. I laughed so hard I almost hurt myself.
Steve was one of the wittiest and good natured people I have ever met. I miss him.
Madelon Bloom
June 8, 2009
I am sorry for your loss. Please accept my deep condolences.
Terry Weigler
June 8, 2009
The news of Steve's passing is sad indeed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mary Beth and the rest of the family. I worked with Steve while at CNRI. His wit and charm will never be forgotten. The IETF in Amsterdam in '93 brings up funny memories to this day.
Steve & Terry Weigler
Michelle Cotton
June 8, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with Steve's family. I will always remember how Steve brought a smile to my face at IETF meetings. We often sang movie songs in the halls of the conference hotel. I will cherish those fun memories. I will miss him.
Robert Kahn
June 8, 2009
It was with great sadness that we learned of Steve's passing. During the years Steve worked with CNRI, and particularly the many years he spent keeping the IETF Secretariat in good order, we much appreciated his kindness, good humor and sense of dedication. Our thoughts are with his family on this difficult occasion.
Bob Kahn & Patrice Lyons, CNRI
Harald Alvestrand
June 8, 2009
I will always remember the joy in life that Steve loved to share with the people around him.
It's been several years since the time I worked closely with him at the IETF, but I still miss him. It's sad to know that he's not coming back to laugh with us again.
Jeanette Davis
June 7, 2009
I had the pleasure to work with Steve during the MCI Mail days. He was a great guy with a smile always on his face and the generosity to share his knowledge with those of us learning about this industry. I'm devastated to hear about his passing. My condolences to Mary Beth and his family.
Wendy Rickard
June 7, 2009
Steve helped me get comfortable with the IETF when I was the complete fish out of water. I will miss his smiling face, his intelligence, and his great sense of humor.
Robyn Nichols Witschey
June 7, 2009
I had the pleasure to work with and for Steve for 8 years while MCI Mail evolved. Besides his cutting wit which could disarm anyone I loved and thoroughly respect his drive to resolve whatever technical issue was at hand.
Gerry Geyer
June 7, 2009
My symapthies to Steve's family. I always remember him in the MCI days as always smiling and willing to help anyone on anything. He will be missed....
Lixia Zhang
June 7, 2009
I missed those old IETF meetings where Steve's humor brought laughter and made the busy week so much more fun. I'm sure Steve brought his humors to heaven.
Vince Cannavo
June 6, 2009
My deepest sympathies to Mary Beth and family. He will be missed.
Carla LaFever
June 6, 2009
I will miss Steve's great laugh, his wonderful smile and his enthusiasm. I was always in awe of his intelligence, his ability to solve almost any problem, and he had a gift for remembering all kinds of things that others had long forgotten. Steve loved to joke around. He held his friends dear and he was a true friend to others. I wish he could have seen himself as others did. Godspeed Steve.
Paul Mockapetris
June 6, 2009
It was always nice to have one unflappable optimist in the midst of IETF havoc. He'll be missed.
Geoff Huston
June 6, 2009
Steve could always see the bright side of things at our meetings, and invariably helped others around him to see the bright side too. He was engaging, bright and always ready to help. Thanks Steve, it was truly a pleasure to have known such a fine friend.
George Stobie
June 6, 2009
I had the good fortune to work, and get to know Steve in the MCI Mail days. Whenever I see someone else from that team, I always asked if they knew what Steve's latest adventure was. Steve knew that I am a Canadian, and God Bless him, for many, many years I got an email from him (via MCI Mail of course) on July 1, wishing me a Happy Canada Day. I will always treasure that memory.
Susan Estrada
June 6, 2009
Steve's sense of humor would insist that we all find some funny story right now to remember. So, I'm thinking of the drink monkeys. We'll miss you, Steve.
Ted Hardie
June 6, 2009
Steve was always one of the funniest, most welcoming person at any gathering. His genuine interest in everything and everyone around him helped spark any number of wonderful conversations and long-lasting friendships. To use one of his favorite phrases, he was a gentleman and a scholar.
April Marine
June 6, 2009
Steve was the best combination of kindness and humor. I have so many great memories of him, even from before I met him in person. My deepest sympathies to his family.
vinton cerf
June 6, 2009
I first met Steve at MCI. He was my "shelf resource", ready to be thrown at any problem that came along that I didn't have anyone else to solve. He always, cheerfully, took on new projects. After I joined CNRI, and Phill Gross went to ANS, I asked Steve to join us at CNRI to become executive director of the IETF secretariat. He did this with enthusiasm and good humor for many years. I have always considered him a friend and colleague. Though I will miss him terribly, I am glad to have known him for so long. His memory will be fresh.
Mona and Vince Michauskas
June 6, 2009
I sincerely hope and pray that from his new vantage point he can see the light and love in our hearts for him and that it leads him to a brighter and better place. God bless his family and his soul.
James Galvin
June 6, 2009
I knew Steve during his entire tenure with IETF. It was a pleasure working with Steve through the years; I will miss him. I offer my deepest condolences to the family.
Patrik Fältström
June 6, 2009
I already miss him -- so much. So many years we have known each other. A pleasure to have had such a friend and coworker.
Joyce K Reynolds
June 6, 2009
I will sorely miss my dear friend, Steve. My heart goes out to his wife and family.
Glenn Sartori
June 6, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Annette Johnson
June 6, 2009
It was an honor and a privilege and a pleasure to know Steve. He will be missed.
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