Richard Cottrell

There are some people who live their lives just going through the motions, each day seeming to fade into the everyday landscape of time. Then there are people who seem to brighten the world with their presence, continually coloring the world with the vibrant facets of their personality. Richard “Dick” Cottrell was an extraordinary man who worked hard every day in all that he did, he could make anyone smile with his one liners, and he cherished his family above all else. Dick carried himself with integrity, loyalty, and compassion, his life a colorful tapestry of light and life.

By the end of the 1930’s our nation began breaking free from the Great Depression which held many American families tightly in its grip since the late 1920’s; as a result, families did what they could to make themselves happy, gathering around radios, playing games, or just visiting with friends. Frank and Eunice (Knight) Cottrell, of Muskegon, Michigan were looking forward to their own joyous time as Eunice was due to give birth to their second child. They were blessed on December 28, 1939 with the healthy birth of their son, Richard. Dick, as he liked to be called, grew up in Fremont, Michigan where his father worked for Gerber Baby Foods and Dick attended school in a one room schoolhouse. He was held back in school simply because he was left handed, but that didn’t dampen Dick’s spirits any, he developed a unique sense of humor and a quick wit and he loved to ice skate. Dick had many food allergies including an allergy to milk and his older sister Pat was responsible for milking the goat to get milk for Dick, but she was constantly frustrated by her fun loving brother who liked to get the goat all riled up first, making her job more difficult.

As a high school student, Dick played football and although he didn’t get much field time, he claimed he was an “end guard tackle” who sat at the end of the bench and tackled anyone who got near the water! It was during these years that Dick’s sense of humor blossomed, always full of laughter and one liners. Dick graduated from Fremont High School in 1958 and then went on to attend Marion Wesleyan College where he thought about pursuing a career as a chemistry teacher. Although he didn’t graduate from college, Marion did set the stage for a love story which would span over 40 years with a fellow employee at Methods Office Supply where he worked as a service technician.

Her name was Nancy Watson and she worked in the office at the supply store and would often help Dick with something. He regularly would remark that he would one day repay her for her help with a kiss. One day Nancy suggested that they go out, Dick agreed and a romance soon ensued. The young couple was united in marriage on July 25, 1964 and was soon blessed with the births of four children: Jim, Jody, Jan, and Jeff. Their family moved from Muncie to Michigan and then in the mid 1960’s, they settled in the Portage and Kalamazoo area where they would spend their days and raise their children.

Dick embraced his role as a father and although he spent many hours working for General Motors as a die maker, a job which he thoroughly enjoyed, Dick made it a priority to be present at many of his children’s after school activities. He was supportive of his children and was always there for them when they needed something, communicating love to each of his children in their own unique way.

There were some things that were of additional interest to Dick that he found time to pursue as well. He was a very social person who loved woodworking and golf; he golfed in multiple leagues at the Olde Mill Golf Course, spending two days a week perfecting his game. Dick was a detail-oriented person, especially when it came to his lawn; he was well known for his luscious yard and spent two whole days a week tending to it. Dick loved classic country music featuring names such as Johnny Cash, George Jones, and Hank Williams. He was a real meat and potatoes guy who loved sinking his teeth into a great steak, cooked to perfection. Together Dick and Nancy enjoyed traveling, taking in the sights that the magnificent world has to offer. He cherished his golf clubs, his computer, and his shop tools. Dick often set aside his own needs to tend to the needs of others and he was well known for helping others in the neighborhood in any way he could.

Later in life, Dick retired from General Motors after more than 33 years of dedicated service and he delighted when his grandchildren were born. Dick really experienced a different perspective after the birth of his first grandchild and he became a different person as a result. Dick was quite a softy where his grandchildren were concerned. He was dedicated to them and spent as much time as he could with them, treasuring each moment he was given to embrace them. He and Nancy were blessed with six grandchildren: Ashley, Allie, Becca, Tori, and most recently, twins Caitlin and Brady, whom Dick unfortunately never got the chance to meet. As he looked back on his role as a father, Dick was proud to say that he and Nancy raised responsible adults whom they never bailed out of life’s sometimes difficult lessons and that all their children were gainfully employed as well. His family was Dick’s greatest sense of pride and joy and although he did what he was able while they were young, he credits Nancy for their success as he was often working.

Dick Cottrell was a generous and loving man who measured his success not by accomplishments and material possessions, but by the success of his family and the loving relationships that he formed with each member. Dick was dedicated to the things he felt passionate about and lived by the motto that he "had to do something, even if it was wrong." Dick brightened the lives of those around him with his superb sense of humor and quick wit, making memories that will be forever cherished by all those he leaves behind. He will be dearly missed.

Richard “Dick” W. Cottrell, of Portage, died on February 3, 2009. Dick’s family includes his wife, Nancy; his four children: Jim (Cathy) Cottrell, of Portage; Jody (Tim) Hartson, of Byron Center; Jan (Glenn) Nevelle, of Caledonia; Jeff (Diana) Cottrell, of Mattawan; Six grandchildren: Ashley, Allie, Becca, Tori, Caitlin and Brady. He is also survived by his sister Carolyn and his brother Ronald. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Patricia. Visit with Dick’s family and friends Sunday from 2-6 at the Life Story Funeral Home, Portage, 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600). Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at the same location. Please visit Dick’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo or make a memorial donation to the Mayo Clinic Intensive Care Nursing Education, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905 or the Charity of Choice.