Eugene Richard Cotter

Eugene (Gene) Richard Cotter passed away at the age of 94 from old age.  Eugene was born in Prescott, Arizona, and spent his early childhood years there.  His family moved to Winslow, Arizona when he was in high school.

Whenever he could, he would trek into the desert in search of treasures, a searcher in solitude rather than dangerous adventure.  All of his life, he reveled in a good find, whether it was gold flakes in the pan, a purple bottle found near an old mining town, an interesting rock, or the perfect painting from the thrift store.

In World War II he served on an aircraft carrier and was thrilled to see the two things he most wanted to see: The Panama Canal and Malta.  After the war, he married Mary Agnes Ramsey and had three children, Charles, Jennifer, and Neil.  After 58 years of marriage, Mary, whom he always spoke of as his greatest treasure, passed away.

Gene spent most of his working career as a mail carrier in Springville, Utah, and with his photographic memory of places knew the history of every building in town.  He spent the last years of his life there at Reid’s Park Place.  He cared not at all for trappings and lived life in the most straightforward possible way.  Generosity was the great lesson he taught his children.  Our memories of him are our treasure.

He is survived by his three children, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, at Wheeler Mortuary, 211 E 200 S Springville, Utah.