Former police chief Coy Estes passed away Monday

By Neil Nisperos, staff Writer

UPLAND--City officials past and present are mourning the loss of former police chief and councilman Coy Estes, who passed away at his home 5 p.m. on Monday.

Estes was remembered by friends on Tuesday as a "tower of strength" for the community, an honest public servant, and a caring mentor.

Born in Texas and raised in Ontario, Estes served the Upland Police Department from 1963 to 1988, leading the department as its chief for about 15 years. Several years after retiring, Estes served a four-year term after a successful run for Council in 1990. Estes also served on the San Antonio Hospital Community Hospital Board of Trustees, and the Upland Housing Authority. 

As a Councilman, Estes helped open a 130-unit complex for seniors near downtown. Coy D. Estes Senior Apartments was named after him.

"He was an honest and very principaled man with a great deal of integrity," said former police Chief Martin Thouvenell, who served as a captain under Estes. "He always put the community first, both as a resident, and as a police chief, and he set a great example for the city and for the police department and on a personal note, he was a mentor to me and very close friend for the past 35 years."

Former Councilman Tom Thomas was elected to council at the same time as Estes.

"His whole lifetime in Upland was devoted to communtiy service either working for city elected officials and he was involved in a variety of non-profits for the city, Thouvenell, who is helping the family coordinate a memorial service, said plans would be finalized on Wednesday.

neil.nisperos@inlandnewspapers.com, 909-483-9356