Eugene Martin Cottier
June 29, 1917 - April 24, 2015
Eugene Martin Cottier, 97 of Caldwell, passed from this earth on Friday, April 24, 2015 at a local hospital with his family at his side.
A celebration of his life will be held Monday, May 4th at 10:30 a.m. at Dakan Funeral Chapel in Caldwell. The family will receive friends at Dakan Chapel on Sunday evening, May 3rd from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Condolences may be shared at www.dakanfuneralchapel.com.
Gene was born June 29, 1917 in Spokane, Washington and was adopted by Claude and Eva McCormick Cottier as a toddler. His parents had adopted an infant son, Wendell 5 years earlier and 5 years after Gene, a daughter Kathleen was adopted completing their family. He lived his early years in and around Roswell, Idaho, graduating from Roswell High School in 1936. He talked of playing football, basketball and life in his school years.
Gene talked many times of the odd jobs he worked during the depression years of the 30s and about the amount of money he was paid for different jobs during these times. Gene was always a very hard worker and shared that with his children over the years. Gene married June Bates on January 1, 1938, to which five children were brought into this world - Virginia, Sandra, Ron, Charles and Jan. All of the children were raised in the family home in Caldwell on Canyon Hill. The family home was built in the late 1930s and early 1940s by Gene and others. The family enjoyed life on the small acreage on Canyon Hill. The kids especially enjoyed a week every summer on the lake in McCall at Shady Beach.
Gene worked for the Dairymen's Creamery for the first few years after he and June married and then went to work in the shipyards in Portland, Oregon during World War II. During this time he joined the Merchant Marines and spent that time on transport ships in the Pacific. Gene moved his family back to Caldwell, where he became a contract milk hauler for the Dairyman's Creamery, starting a lifelong career in the milk transport business. Gene had his own fleet of trucks and with time changes he and a partner Ralph Jordan formed C & J Milk Transport that carried milk on large bulk-tank trucks up from the farmers around the valley. Gene operated C & J until selling the business upon retirement at the age of 76.
Gene and June enjoyed family time and were active in the Caldwell First Christian Church where they served in various capacities over the years. They traveled as far as Michigan to purchase a new truck for the business. However, they mostly traveled in the western states visiting friends and family. They purchased a 5th wheel trailer enjoying trips but really enjoyed many summers and friends at Lake View on Payette Lake in McCall. Gene and June had 67 years together before June's passing in 2005 at age 85.
In February of 2006 Gene married Betty Wright. Together they enjoyed friends, lunch and Bingo at the Caldwell Senior Center, were members of the Caldwell First Christian Church and attended various local musical performances together. They also enjoyed trips to the Twin Falls area where Betty was raised.
Gene is survived by his wife, Betty and her family; his children, Virginia (Jack) Doan of Caldwell, Sandra Whitmore of Boise, Ron (Jean) Cottier of Boise, Charles Cottier of Caldwell and Jan (Phil) Ioset of Scottsdale, AZ; numerous grandchildren, Mike (Ester) Whitmore, Gregg (Lindy) Whitmore, Kerry (Pat) Driscoll, Tom (Connie) Doan, Robert (Kim) Doan, Janel (Mike) Bloom, LeAnn (Bryce) Farris, Ben (Lisa) Cottier, Brian (Kristin) Cottier, Jon (Judy) Ioset, Athena Stallcop, and Seth Stallcop; along with 21 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Wendell (Mary); sister, Kathleen (Emory) Ireland; and son-in-law, Gary Whitmore.
Dad liked to bowl, beat all of his family at croquet, played a little golf and raised a beautiful large garden every year. Gene lived a very full life and was always happy with family and friends until the very end. He will be missed very much and was loved by all that knew him. Rest in peace until we meet again.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
He was our milkman that picked up our milk cans in the Sandhollow area about 16 miles from Caldwell..this was about 1949 or 1950.He was my special friend....he took our order for ice cream from us girls without my Dad being there....i was 5...sis was 7. He was a hard working man that we respected....sorry i missed his service..❤ Sharon Uehlin Cook
Sharon Uehlin Cook
Friend
January 12, 2021
Both June and Gene were friends with my parents, Joann and Darrell Ramsey. They bowled together and really enjoyed their company. They were always very kind to me, and I sent them pictures of my kids for many years. I will always have fond memories of them both.
Such kind people. My condolences.
Dana Richardson
May 16, 2015
What a delightful gentleman. He was a joy to assist in the pharmacy. His smile will always be a joyful memory.
April 30, 2015
My sympathies go out to the family.Please know that God is our refuge and our strength.Psalm 46 chapter
V C
April 30, 2015
He lived the type of life that stands as a beacon for other, younger fathers, work, dedication to one's family, a patriot, and a hard-working man. There is little to mourn with such a man, except to know he has left us.
Roger and Ann Gallagher
April 29, 2015
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