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1927
2013
Salinas
E. L. "Cotton" Kaiser
E. L. "Cotton" Kaiser passed away Thursday, March 14, 2013, at his home in Salinas. He was born December 10, 1927, in Holtville.
Cotton grew up in Holtville and in 1945 he joined the US Navy and was stationed at Treasure Island. On leaves he would visit his sister, Joyce, in Salinas. He enjoyed the mild climate and decided to make Salinas his home in 1947. At that time, he began working as the Assistant Golf Pro at the Salinas Golf and Country Club.
In 1952, he began his marriage with Eva Lou Smalley that lasted 57 years. They had three children.
In 1958, he became the golf pro at the Rodeo Driving Range which transitioned to Sherwood Greens Golf Course in 1968, and also became the pro at the Salinas Fairways in the early 1980's.
Through those years, Cotton was a strong supporter of junior golf, sponsoring many tournaments and events for kids. He loved teaching the game of golf and had several accomplished students, including Pat Cornett, the winner of eight U.S. Women's Open Championships, and Mike Brannon, the winner of two California State Amateur Championships. In 1990, he was named the NCPGA Teacher of the Year.
Cotton was a member of the Salinas Masonic Lodges 204 and 802, serving as Master Mason in 1964.
Throughout his life, and especially in retirement, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, gardening, spending time with his grandkids and dogs, outings with buddies, following a multitude of sports, and involvement in his church.
He was proceeded in death by his wife, Eva Kaiser; and his son, Bruce Kaiser.
He is survived by his daughters, Carol Kaiser Long (Ron), Lorie Kaiser; his sister, Joyce Ross of Denver, CO; grandchildren, Travis Sugden, Cody Kaiser(Natalie), Dina Patton, Tiffany Breech and Rachel Breech; four nieces and nephews; and six great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 20, 2013 from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at the Struve and Laporte Chapel, 41 W. San Luis St., Salinas, CA 93901.
Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 1:30 p.m., at the Salinas Valley Community Church, 368 San Juan Grade Road, Salinas, CA 93906.
Burial will be at the Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 18200 Damian Way, Salinas, CA 93907.
Donations in his memory can be made to the Salinas Valley Junior Golf Association at www.svjga.org.
Funeral arrangements by Struve and Laporte Funeral Home. Online condolences to www.struveandlaporte.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
It's hard to believe it's been nine years. I think of my great uncle offend with such fond memories. He is greatly missed.
Stephanie Holland
Family
March 10, 2022
It seems I've known Cotton most of my life as my parents, Scotty & Betty Shaw, lived next door to him and Eva for 46 years until they passed away in 2006. Cotton and Eva were wonderful people and terrific neighbors. Cotton admired the quilt I made for Daddy and I gave it to him when Daddy passed away. Cotton will be missed by all of us here on earth, but he is now back with Eva and Bruce. My thoughts and prayers are with Lori & Carol and their families.
Kathy Honig
March 21, 2013
I was saddened to hear about Cotton passing away. He was loved & admired by my entire family.We had alot of good times with him & Eva at Sherwood Greens.They were 2 great people.
Marcia Freilinger
March 20, 2013
He was a very nice Christian person and a great husband to my cousin,Eva Lou. I am sure they are together now. He will be missed by his family. Mary
Mary McCurry
March 19, 2013
You taught me how to play golf because my mother wanted me to play. I started late in life because I really had no desire but my mom loved the sport. I just want you to know the best thing that ever happen to me while you were teaching me golf was getting to know you!!!! I love you Cotton, may God bless you. Zayna
Zayna Berry
March 19, 2013
Lori,
So sorry to hear of your Dads passing. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Holly Molinari
March 19, 2013
Lorie & Family,
I am so very sorry to hear about your Dad. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Greta Molinari
March 19, 2013
Forever in my thoughts...Always in my heart.
Stephanie Holland
March 18, 2013
Dear Cousins - I'm so sad to hear of Uncle Ree's passing. I have fun memories of visiting him at the golf course when we would work the concession stand for him. Thinking of you all. Love, Kathy (Ross) Holub.
Kathy (Ross) Holub
March 18, 2013
Carol and Family so sorry to hear of your Father's passing. Our Prayers are with You, Ron, and Your Family.
Your Friends, Carol & Steve Silva
Carol & Steve Silva
March 18, 2013
Carol,family/families: Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. May the knowledge that God is taking good care of your Father and that he is well now; help you find peace and comfort.
Gloria Rice
March 18, 2013
my deepest condolences to you lori and you're family.i'am sorry for your loss.
tammy keldsen
March 17, 2013
On first meeting, Cotton was an individual I immidiately admired and respected, then he honored me with his friendship. I will miss him!
Rod Musgrove
March 17, 2013
I am so very sorry Carol and family. Even though I had never met your dad, I always enjoy hearing about him and his character! A very special man with a very special family! Prayers to all of you!
Stacey Polk
March 17, 2013
Cotton was a long time friend and fly fishing mentor. We had many memorable times together -- hunting, fishing and in the lodge. He will be missed . . .
Bill Dickens
March 17, 2013
Cotton was a phenomenal human being, his kindness and his giving heart helped so many people in his lifetime. I personally learned from him through bowling, he was an accomplished bowler among everything else in his life. He will be missed by the entire Salinas community.
Jim Smith
March 17, 2013
Cotton was a best friend to my dad, "Bull" Bowling, Golf, Giants, Tomatoes. He visited or called him every day. He was with me the day my dad passed... I will never forget him. They will allways be in our heart and never forgotten. Mark and Rhonda Ramos & Family.
Mark Ramos
March 16, 2013
Cotton was a best friend to my father " Bull " .. He visited him or called him every day, he was right there with me the day he passed.. I will never forget him. he will be missed... They will allways be in our hearts and never forgoten...Mark Rhonda Ramos & Family
Mark Ramos & Family
March 16, 2013
Cotton was an amazing person.. He lived next door to my inlaws in salinas for 40 plus years. We saw him last at svcc. Just someone who was kind inside and out.. Our sincere condolences to his family... He is dancing with his Eva no doubt.....
Debi and scott Shaw
March 16, 2013
Love you Grandpa. We miss you so much already. I hope you gave Grandma and Bruce a kiss for us all.See you again.<3<3<3
Rachel Breech
March 16, 2013
he gave my wife lessons near the rodeo grounds
glenn roberts
March 16, 2013
Cotton, you will be deeply missed by all of the people you guided throughout your life. The work ethnic you taught me when I was growing up has always guided my decision making throughout my life. You had a wonder wife who helped balanced out your stern personality. Of course when you are dealing with a bunch if teenage boys I could understand why you were so strict. Now rest in peace knowing you made a positive impact on so many people that had the honor to know you.
Chad Guest
March 16, 2013
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Funeral services provided by:
Struve and Laporte Funeral Chapel41 W. San Luis Street, Salinas, CA 93901
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