Tilson praises Bolton resident — Bill Colye honoured in the House of Commons

December 5, 2013 · 0 Comments

By Bill Rea
Dufferin-Caledon MP David Tilson made a point in the last week of honouring Bolton resident Bill Coyle.
Tilson presented certificates of recognition to Coyle Friday in a brief ceremony in his Bolton constituency office. Then he made a statement in the House of Commons Monday.
He was congratulating Coyle on his appointment as Honorary Colonel of 16 Wing Headquarters Borden and on receiving an Honorary Doctorate from the Royal Military College of Canada (RMCC).
The practice of honorary regimental appointments in Canada dates back more than a century, according to a statement issued by Tilson’s office. Although unit tasks and roles have changed over the years, the role of the Honorary remains to serve as a link between members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the wider community. For this purpose, the honour is conferred on distinguished Canadians. Honorary Degrees are granted by the RMCC Senate, who is entrusted with such responsibilities.
Coyle was a flight test engineer. He said he went to work for Avro as an apprentice engineer in 1949, and was seconded to the Canadian forces to help test a variety of systems. He worked on the CF-100 aircraft as well as a flying saucer project.
“It was actually an attempt to design and build a true flying saucer,” he said, adding it never worked out as the engineers had hoped.
“You made some major accomplishments,” Tilson told him.
“On behalf of the government of Canada and the residents of Dufferin-Caledon, I’m very pleased to congratulate Honorary Colonel Coyle on receiving these two tremendous and most prestigious honors,” Tilson remarked. “He has dedicated himself to serving his country and we appreciate the countless contributions he’s made during his long, distinguished career. These recent honors underscore his lifelong pursuit of personal excellence, outstanding service, and we as a community celebrate his many achievements with him today.”
In his statement in the House of Commons Monday, Tilson had plenty of praise for the way Coyle has “dedicated himself to serving his country and we appreciate the countless contributions he’s made during his long, distinguished career.”
“These recent honors underscore his lifelong pursuit of personal excellence, outstanding service, and we as a community celebrate his many achievements with him,” Tilson added, pointing out that “16 Wing Headquarters will significantly benefit from Bill’s considerable knowledge, immense experience, and exceptional enthusiasm for the Canadian Forces.”

Dufferin-Caledon MP David Tilson presetned certificates to Bill Coyle on his appointment as Honorary Colonel of 16 Wing Headquarters Borden and receiving an Honorary Doctorate from the Royal Military College of Canada.
Photo by Bill Rea