Robin Coyne, 4255 Head Coach, has Passed Away

It is with a heavy heart that I share that Robin Coyne, Head Coach of FRC 4255, the Robodores, has passed away Monday night due to medical complications.

Mr. Coyne was instrumental in bringing FIRST to the Monterey Bay area. He founded our team in 2012, and has been there every step of the way for the past 12 years. Mr. Coyne also played a vital role as part of the planning committee for the Monterey Bay Regional, earning himself 2020 Volunteer of the Year at MBR. He has influenced the lives of thousands of students through his work in Career Technical Education classes, FIRST, and as a friend.

I have personally known Mr. Coyne since my freshman year on 4255. I have had the honor to work alongside him in and out of the team. He has left a lasting legacy and influence on my future—Something that I know other 4255 Alumni can attest to. For over two decades he has helped students find their passion, instilling in them values and skills that have helped them at the most prestigious of academic and professional institutions.

Mr. Coyne’s passion for robotics and automotive technology, as well as his commitment to our team and community will always be remembered. Mr. Coyne leaves behind a strong legacy both at school and in the community that we hope to continue and expand upon. Robin Coyne has left this world a better place than he found it—Something I believe is the ultimate goal in life. He will be dearly missed.

If you knew Robin personally, and would like to attend his celebration of life, feel free to send me a message, and I will get you the details as I get them.

Nicolas Fisher

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RIP. My condolences.

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RIP Mr. Coyne, he was a great mentor for our team and a great person.

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Robin was always a smiling face at competitions and friendly to everyone who met him. He will be terribly missed.

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As a now alumna of Team 4255, the Robodores, I can say without a doubt that Mr. Coyne singlehandedly was the reason our team was the way it was. I have been grieving deeply and still can’t fully process such a tragedy.

I first met him during the pandemic, in our online zoom class for robotics. I was one of the few students that turned their camera on and Mr. Coyne would always call on me to answer questions. We quickly developed a close bond after he invited us to join the robotics club team. I found that the shop was my home, graced by his warm presence. I felt more welcome at robotics meetings than I ever had at any other place besides home. I particularly remember when he showed me around the shop for the first time, showing me how to cut wood and assemble some simple robot kits. I eagerly joined the robotics team, which shaped the course of my life.

Mr. Coyne taught me an unimaginable amount of skills, including leadership, communication, management, problem-solving, machining, shop tools operations, and so much more. He taught me grace and humility. He taught me how to be a good teammate and leader. He supported me through my highs and lows, as my deep involvement in robotics led to some very intense moments. He was always there for me, laughing, smiling, and lightening the mood. He was one of the primary reasons I decided to pursue engineering. I still remember the large embrace and big grin he gave me after I told him that I got accepted into the biomedical engineering program at my dream school.

Mr. Coyne will be deeply missed.

We love you Mr. Coyne. Rest in peace, knowing that you have positively impacted the thousands of students that have crossed paths with you.

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Team 5104 extends our deepest condolences.

Mr. Coyne and the amazing team he built have been some of our most steadfast allies, and I doubt Monterey Bay FRC woud have become what it is today without him.

RIP Mr. Coyne, you will be missed.

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Condolences to his family, friends and the team.

He sounds like another great person in FIRST that I never got the chance to meet. My loss.

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My sincere condolences, praying for his family and your team to get through this difficult time.

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I would be interested in participating his celebration of life. I am a previous student

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Damn… Robin was one of the good ones. I’ve really enjoyed talking to him and loved seeing how well 4255 has been doing the past few years. He’s always been so kind to me and the team.

R.I.P. you will be missed :cry:

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Mr. Coyne was absolutely influential in my path to pursuing digital art, in spite of the opinions of my peers and family.

He enabled me to get my first, hands on experience with digital media illustration and producing items with printed media (making a logo for the team, designing shirts, banners and more)

And though life had other plans for me, the memories of the great times had and lessons learned steered me back to my passion.

It saddens me that I will never have an opportunity to thank him for steering me towards a path, equipped with the tools to learn from my mistakes, re assess, and plan for the future.

I’m not sure how to or even if messaging is a thing on CD but I would like to attend a celebration of life for Mr. Coyne.

Go dores

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