February 19, 1944 - August 21, 2021
Richard Cotter was born in Vancouver B.C., February 19, 1944 and passed away peacefully August 21, 2021 surrounded by the peace, quiet and sunset of his beautiful field.
Richard was predeceased by his mother, Shirley Cotter, Father, Chester Cotter, and wife Patricia Cotter.
He is survived by brothers, Joel (Kate) and Doug (Ashley) Cotter, Sister Jan (Mike) Kidston. His two eldest sons Brent Cotter, and Colin Cotter (from his first marriage), Kelby, Owen (Kelsy), and Bronwyn Cotter. Grandchildren, Eileah, Kalina, Spencer and Sienna, Hailey, Nicholas and many nephews, nieces and greats of the same.
Rich was an avid boater, growing up near Horseshoe Bay where his affair with the ocean started. He became a tow boater in 1965, and spent 21 years in B.C coastal waters. During this time, he discovered Quatsino Sound, a place where he planned to live, and did for 45 years.
In 1986 he started a sawmill business on his homestead, and built his house while working for D & H Timber Towing for 14 years. You could often catch him motoring into Coal Harbour with a load of lumber until his retirement (or version of it) in 2010.
He continued to tinker on his rusty projects, built boats, the Cotterpillar, drove pilings and constructed wharves when they were broken. He could fix or make anything work. He loved the challenge and got great satisfaction and a feeling of accomplishment from repairing equipment that nobody else would attempt to repair.
He continued to work with Owen as his crew boat captain when needed, photographing everything along the way from mushrooms, birds, flowers, boats to people; he had an eye for an amazing picture.
He loved spending time generally in pure solitude, but sure appreciated being able to visit with all his family and friends. With his camera in tow, cryptic messages, and riddles to solve, always made for a great night in his company.
Patricia Cotter started a nonprofit micro board society, to care for Kelby and Bronwyn before her passing in 2003. Richard headed this board C.H.I.S. (Cotters Home Inspiration Society) with family and friends from 2003 until his passing; keeping both his and Patricia's dream of them living a full and healthy life, in the house and community they grew up in. The C.H.I.S. Board plans to carry on their legacy by maintaining the existing care and love for Kelby and Bronwyn.
His loss will be felt for years to come and the impact will have rippling effects through us all. We will all carry the incredible memories, lessons, and times we spent with him into the future. Father, brother, grandfather, uncle, great uncle rest in peace friend enjoy your field and sunset.
At this time there will not be a ceremony due do too many restrictions, but hopefully in the near future we can get together to celebrate.
In lieu of flowers, save some money; don't go buy that new lawn mower or vacuum cleaner, postpone that idea and jerry rig it.