Robert E. Coyle, who served more than two decades as a federal judge and was the prime mover behind Fresno's new downtown federal courthouse, died late Monday night.
Mr. Coyle, who turned 82 on Sunday, was nominated to the federal bench by President Ronald Reagan in March 1982, and was confirmed that same month by the U.S. Senate. He started the job in April 1982 and served as chief judge for California's eastern federal judicial district from 1990 to 1996.
"Judge Coyle was truly a great jurist, administrator and leader for our District and for our entire judicial community," U.S. District Judge Anthony W. Ishii wrote in an email informing his colleagues of Coyle's death.
Even more, said U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. O'Neill, he was a great person.
"I never once heard Bob tell anyone that he couldn't help them when they were in trouble," O'Neill said. "He allowed everyone to leave his presence with their dignity intact. He was a perfect colleague, and I will deeply miss my close friend."