MILES A COON's Obituary
Coon,Miles—Miles passed away peacefully on Saturday morning surrounded by his loving
family. He was 84 years old. He leaves behind so many dear friends from college, law school,
and the world of poetry, as well as many neighbors from Palm Beach and Long Island.
Everyone adored Miles because he always made them laugh. He was witty beyond measure,
was a brilliant student, lawyer, writer and poet— But above all, he was a true mensch. After
graduating with highest honors from the University of Virginia in 1959, and Harvard law school
in 1962, Miles practiced law for several years and then, at his father‘s request, took over running
a significant manufacturing business founded by his dad. After 30 years, Miles sold the business
and turned his attention towards poetry – his first love. He received an MFA from Sarah
Lawrence in 2003 and thereafter his poems appeared widely in many poetry journals and
magazines. In 2005 Miles founded the Palm Beach Poetry Festival which became an institution
over the past 19 years while Miles served as its president and chairman. His debut book of
poetry is being published by Press 53 and will be coming out in the very near future. Its title is
“The Quotient of Myself Divided by My Self.” Miles was very charitable and supported many
non-for profit poetry organizations and independent presses, his greatest love however, was for
his wife Mimi, his son Matthew, his daughter Jennifer, and grandson Elias, all of whom loved
and adored him and will miss him very much. A private burial service will take place on Monday in ETERNAL LIGHT MEMORIAL GARDENS, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA,
and a memorial service is being planned for sometime in the weeks or months to come. Arrangements by BETH ISRAEL MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 11115 Jog Road, Boynton Beach, Florida 33437. For more information Please call 561-732-3000.
What’s your fondest memory of MILES?
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Share a story where MILES's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with MILES you’ll never forget.
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