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Ronald Cote Obituary
Ron graduated high school from St. John's Academy in 1953 upon which he joined the Marine Corps and played service football at Camp Pendleton, CA. Ron graduated from Arizona State College (NAU) in Flagstaff, AZ in 1960, returning to complete his Masters Degree in English. While in college Ron played fullback for the "Maxer's Axers" who played for the NAIA National Championship in 1958, the first team from Arizona to appear on national television. He cherished his relationship with his fellow teammates throughout his life. Ron received All-American recognition. Ron married Eloise Needham in Yuma in 1960. He pursued his passion for football by coaching most of his life at Yuma Union High School; Antelope Valley High School in Lancaster; CA; Imperial Valley Junior College, Imperial Valley, CA; Moorpark High School, Moorpark, CA; UC Santa Barbara, Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Goodwell, OK and finally returning to Yuma to coach at San Pasqual High School, Winterhaven, CA. Ron continued to teach English for Arizona Western College until the time of his passing.
Ron's was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Lillian Cote of Plattsburgh, NY, Harry J. Needham(Brother-in-law) and Michael A. Needham(Nephew). Survivors include his sister Betty Seymour and nephew Robert of Plattsburgh, NY; his children Ronald Gary Cote, Jr. of Phoenix, AZ; Mark, wife Sheri, their children Cade and Chloe of Gilbert, AZ; Jennifer Anne Ruiz, husband Fernando, their children Blake and Brandon of Gilbert, AZ; Craig, wife Audra, their children Addison and Ashlyn of Scottsdale, AZ; Curt, wife Crystal and son Caleb of Yuma, AZ and his former wife Eloise Needham of Gilbert, AZ. Many family members and friends.
Services include a Rosary at Desert Lawn Memorial Park in Yuma, AZ on Wednesday October 20th from 6 - 8 pm and Catholic Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Thursday at 11 am. Remains to be interred at Desert Lawn Memorial Park following the service. There will be a gathering of family and friends at the Chavez Ranch following service. In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to the Coach Max Spilsbury Football Fund, NAU Foundation, P.O. Box 4094, Flagstaff, AZ 86014, reference fund number 1144. Please sign the guestbook at www.yumasun.com/obituaries
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Cote
cris macias
November 2, 2010
Ive known Mr cote sice 2001 he was my teacher at Cibola High School, i till remember the hard times i gave him lol. then after high school we all went our seperate ways.Then about 8 years later i saw him at AWC were i work at,that brough back memories.I was shocked when i found out what had happened my prayers to all of Mr.cote's Family
Mark Shields
October 27, 2010
Dear Ron-I just learned of your passing today from Arnold and Laura at the San Luis Center. I feel very ashamed not to have attended your service. I will truly miss the conversations we used to have together before our night classes. I always found it ironic that when I was training for football back in the 1980's, I used to run past your Hall of Fame picture in the Skydome almost every day. To find out that we both shed some sweat out at Old Lumberjack Field was truly inspirational to me! I am glad we worked together at AWC, and I am even more proud to call you a fellow Lumberjack! I am very sad right now, but I am also so happy to have met you. You have renewed my passion to coach. I know the pain your family is feeling right now, as are the students down at San Luis. The little shrine they set up for you is very nice and beautiful. I am sure God has accepted you with open arms, but I wish we could have kept you a while longer down here. Good night, Ron.
Iris Osborn-Esparza
October 24, 2010
Mr. Cote was one of the best teachers I had both in High School and in college. Both times, he demonstrated how awesome he was as a person and as an educator. I know that you are in a better place now Mr.Cote with GOD. I am sure that all your students from San Pasqual and AWC will always keep you in our hearts. My sincere condolences to your family.
Jill Loveless
October 21, 2010
Dear Cote Family,
I only knew Ron a little over a year, but it was clear to me that his students had great respect for him as their professor. He was always very pleasant when we met during my visits to San Luis. It is with great sadness that I extend condolences to your family.
Jill Loveless
Anjie and Asif Majeed
October 20, 2010
We join Mark Cote and his family in mourning the loss of his father. Although we did not know Mr. Ronald Cote, we have been fortunate to know his son Mark and his family. Mr. Ronald Cote has left a legacy behind in a wonderful family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Jaime Avila
October 20, 2010
I will truly miss him. He was one of my first college teachers and is the person who thought me to keep studying even when times were tough. He will forever be in my heart and prayers.
Jaime Avila
October 20, 2010
I will truly miss Mr. Cote. He was one of my first professors in college and inspired me to keep at even when times got tough. He will always be in my heart and will never ever be forgotten.
Lisa Lara-Figueroa
October 19, 2010
My heart is heavy with learning of Mr. Cote's passing. I have so many wondeful memories of him during my years at San Pasqual. He was an inspiration to me then and left a lasting impression on my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with this family during this difficult time.
Lisa Lara-Figueroa
October 19, 2010
My heart is heavy with learning of Mr. Cote's passing. I have so many wonderful memories of him during my years at SP. He was an inspiration to me then and definitely left a lasting impression on my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Mayra Rivera(Martinez)
October 19, 2010
my condolences to Mr. Cote's family.. he was my 7th grade english teacher and he would always throw me out of hisclass for not having a blue or black pen... he was very funny.. in the end i know that he wanted what was best for me at time... He will live in my heart and in my memories.. AWESOME MAN!!!! He will be missed!!!
Sheri Adams
October 19, 2010
Mr.Cote was one of my favorite teacher's in high school your family is in my prayers. He will be missed but not forgotten.
Amanda Mendoza
October 19, 2010
Mr.Cote was a great mentor and teacher. People who taught with Mr. Cote in any school in Yuma will truly missed him and he will be in everyone's and my prayers
God bless him and his family he will be truly missed.
Katrina Johnson Leon
October 19, 2010
Mr. Cote was my English, Driver's Ed., and Advanced Studies teacher. He was rough sometimes in a polished sort of way. When I think of him I smile. He challenged me and provoked thought... Great man, great teacher.
Revi Sandoval
October 19, 2010
My thoughts and prayer are with the Cote family. Mr. Cote was a dedicated teacher during and after my years at San Pasqual. He will be truly missed by all.
Lisa Hill-Elam
October 19, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have fond memories of him as a teacher at San Pasqual both in English and as my drivers ed instructor. He will be missd.
Lisa Hill-Elam
Teresa Lugo Saavedra
October 19, 2010
My condoIences to Mr. Cote's family. I am so deeply sadden by his passing! He was my favorite teacher during my High School years at San Pasqual! Mr. Cote was a wonderful & dedicated teacher to all of his students. He will be deeply missed! Rest in Peace Mr. Cote!
Sincerely,
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