Search by Name

Search by Name

Miles Warren Coiner Jr.

Miles Coiner Obituary

Miles Warren Coiner, Jr.

Miles Warren Coiner, Jr., 75, most recently of Boston, MA, died on September 7, 2013 of pancreatic cancer. Miles was born on July 23, 1938 in Gold Hill, CO. He moved to Bonner Springs, KS in 1947 where his father was the Camp Ranger at Camp Naish. He graduated from Bonner Springs High School in 1956, where he was President of the Student Council. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 1960 and also earned a Ph.D. in Theater there in 1974. He studied Romanian Theater in Bucharest under a Fulbright Scholarship, and went on to teach at a number of universities over his career: Hamline University, Hampton University, Saint Mary's College, University of Notre Dame, Antioch College, Boston University, and Emerson College, from which he retired in 1992. During his retirement Miles pursued his passion for teaching by engaging in numerous volunteer activities, which brought him great joy. He dedicated his energies to the Boston Arts Academy, the Arnold Arboretum, and at the time of his death he was a docent for "Boston by Foot" and the Boston Public Library, leading art and architecture tours of the city he loved.

Miles was the son of Miles Warren Coiner, Sr. and Pearl Iona Coiner. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Mary Pinard, sisters Marjorie Gerner (Jim), Adalain Peoples (Carl), daughter Tania (David), granddaughters Malena and Neve, and grandson, Lucian, as well as six nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Miles' life will be held at Forsyth Chapel in Forest Hills Cemetery, Boston, MA on Saturday, October 12.

In lieu of flowers, Miles requested that donations be made to two charities whose work he valued deeply: The Nature Conservancy and The Boston Public Library Foundation.

Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Sep. 12, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Miles Coiner

Not sure what to say?





Valarie Short

May 31, 2024

I was saddened to learn of his passing, just happened to check online because he popped in my memory.

I was a student of his at Hampton University.
He had a great influence on my playwriting, and an inspiration to me! Always so encouraging.
Valarie (Green) Short

Julie Jensen

September 4, 2020

Miles, damnit, you're missed more than ever now. You might be able to help us through the weirdest time, most frightening times. Or at least, your outrage would distract us and and delight us. Thank you for your brilliance and your passion. Unequaled! And you're loved. Always.

Julie Jensen

March 5, 2018

I just quoted Miles in a speech. (I do that a lot, I find.) It was what he said about American theatre: American plays are about families; all other plays are about everything else. Miles remains the smartest man I ever knew, the best theatre person, and the finest political spirit ever, anywhere. I love him and miss him. Everyday.

April 21, 2016

I was so sad to hear of Dr. Coiner's passing. He was such a nice man, such a wonderful teacher. He really helped me, championed me, encouraged me. He made a huge impact, and will forever be valued and remember. Love you, miss you.

Marlena Yannetti

December 16, 2015

Miles Coiner was a dear, funny, multi talented human being and I think of him often and smile.
I miss him. Love to Mary.

Tania Modleski

May 31, 2015

I just learned of his death. He was a great friend to me years ago; he was one of the most colorful and deeply committed--to the arts, to social justice--men I have ever known. The world is poorer for his loss.

Shawn Dion

October 19, 2014

I had Miles as a professor at Emerson. He was a wonderful man and a kind soul. Such a special person.

April 21, 2014

Miles directed a powerful production of my play Funnyhouse of Negro.

in remembrance
Adrienne Kennedy

Tony Dallas

December 2, 2013

Mary, too tired to write, on a lark I thought I would see if I could Google up a picture of Miles. Instead I find his obituary. I am so sorry. My heart and Migiwa's goes out to you. Life is oh, so brief. We send our love.

December 2, 2013

Dear Mary--
I think of you often anyway and more now.
I am deeply sorry about your loss.
I hope you know that I am always here for you no matter what. With Love to you and Tania.
-Gloria Kardong

Maggie Brittan

November 22, 2013

Mary, Tania and family, Unfortunately, I had not seen Miles for many years but he was on my mind. He was such a grand and generous soul. He was a fine, fine man with a wicked sense of humor. He was a gracious host, a very good cook, and a great back rubber. He was passionate about those he loved and a gift to all he knew. He was a learner and a teacher. He had a love for life and a hatred for injustice and meanness, along with the courage to say so.

l miss him. I smile with watery eyes thinking of him. I see his face. What a face! The face, like the man, was kind, fun and full of character (s). Thank you, Miles. Love & hugs to you all.

lary moten

November 5, 2013

Miles had been on my mind lately not knowing why. Now i know. He is a great teacher, an inspirational one that i always called on -- in my memories only unfortunately. i came back to acting after many years and lessons he taught directing me in ORESTES lo' these many years ago at Hampton sprang to mind. He is missed. Condolences to all his family and friends.

Maz Pringle

October 1, 2013

Dear Tania,
My family and i, would like to express our deepest condolences and let you know how profoundly sorry we feel for your loss. We will keep you in our daily thoughts and prayers.
Maz.

Nohely Arteaga

September 25, 2013

Mary, you and your family are ever in my thoughts and in my prayers. In this time of grieving I hope you find in solace among loved ones, between lines of poetry, and in warm fuzzies like this one.

Lisa Colaluca

September 21, 2013

Dear Mary, Tania & Family,
I was so very fortunate to have known Miles as a beloved teacher, mentor, director and friend. He had a wild, wonderful wit, a brilliant mind and boundless creativity all wrapped tightly around a truly kind and gentle soul. He was an original innovator, a ground breaker and champion. His students at St. Mary's and Notre Dame loved him well. Thank you for sharing him with the world. I know we are better people for having known him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Julie Jensen

September 14, 2013

Miles was the greatest friend, the best teacher, and one of the finest human beings I've ever known. He was smarter and more politically committed than any of my colleagues. He taught us all how to be better professionals. After I met Miles Coiner I was proud to be a theatre person. He brought to the field his intelligence and sophistication, his principles and values. He taught us all. And he continues to do that! My love to both his daughter Tania and his wife Mary. He loved them both, as they loved him.

Willard Saunders

September 12, 2013

I remember Miles whose sister was one of my best friends at Bonner Springs High School. He gained the trust of students and was elected President of the Student Council. I learn from his obituary that his remarkable leadership qualities stayed with him all of his life.

[email protected]

Jon Ferreira

September 11, 2013

When I was a student at Emerson, Miles was my Playwriting teacher. He was a very warm and knowledgeable man, and I'll never forget the kindness he showed his students.

Sarah Atherton

September 10, 2013

Miles was a fellow Field Study Guide with me at the Arnold Arboretum. We had many talks about our Jack Russells and our devotion to them. He often talked of his family. My heart goes out to you. He was a very kind man and wonderful mentor. Peace, Sarah Atherton

Giovanna Negretti

September 10, 2013

I have such fond memories of Miles. He was my favorite teacher and director while at Emerson in the early 90's. What a wonderful person with such a loving, generous soul. I learned so much from his wisdom and sense of humor. I haven't seen him since but I always think of him with a smile on my face. I am deeply saddened by your loss. My most sincere condolences to you.

Sue Chidlovski

September 10, 2013

Our sympathy to the family of Miles Coiner. My husband, Arthur, and I highly praised Miles for his theater work and knowledge of the theater. We never tired of discussions with Miles about any subject which might come forward. Miles was a gentleman, a friend and a knowledgeable teacher. We shall miss him. -Arthur and Sue Chidlovski

Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results

Make a Donation
in Miles Coiner's name

Memorial Events
for Miles Coiner

Oct

12

Celebration of Life

Forsyth Chapel, Forest Hills Cemetery

Boston, MA

How to support Miles's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Miles Coiner's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more