Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Fred Cothard Obituary
Fred Peter Cothard, 54, of Constantine, Michigan, passed away Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025, in San Francisco, California.
Fred was born Sept. 6, 1970, in Elkhart, Indiana, to Judith (Short) and Peter Cothard. He was preceded in death by his father Peter. He is survived by his children Sadie (Dylan) Cothard, Sawyer Cothard and stepsons Cole Temple and Jon Kubsch, his mother Judy (Leon) Cooper, sister Laura (Kenny) Roberts, brother Bob (Cis) Cothard. His nieces and nephews Courtney, Austin, Alayna, Joe, Matt and Conner.
Fred was a graduate of the former Elkhart Central high school. Fred was a master carpenter since his teens and has owned and operated Cothard Construction & Remodeling Inc. since the early '90s. The majority of his work was serving the Michiana area.
His greatest love was exploring with his children and discovering what the world has to offer. Most of Fred's personal life revolved around music and his deep love and passion for the Grateful Dead. There was almost nothing else he enjoyed more than traveling the country with family and friends from all over the world, to see the next show. At his passing, he was attending their 60th anniversary celebration in San Francisco.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Fred Cothard
Childhood friend
August 12, 2025
My heaton lake friends! What memories i have. Fred in alot of them. Rest in Gods arms. Jennifer Hoke Looker
Joann Hoke Cramer
August 12, 2025
From one Heaton lake kid to another RIP Fred. Prayers and peace to the Cothard family.
Joann Hoke Cramer
Robert
August 11, 2025
Thoughts and prayers for all the family and friends. Luv ya,
Robert George
Steve, Deb. Taylor
August 10, 2025
We watched fred from paper boy to high school football, a great person to knpw.
S. Swann
August 9, 2025
My deepest condolences to Fred's family and friends.
Although I never met Fred, he and I are in the same tribe. And I have to say, Fred just set the gold standard, for all of us, on how to live and die.
Such a long, long time to be gone
And a short time to be there
Mike and Brenda Halsey
August 9, 2025
So very sorry to hear of Fred's passing. He was one of the good kids from Heaton Lake. Our sympathies to all the family and friends.
Bill Perkins
August 8, 2025
I cannot help but think someone who loved the Grateful Dead universe as Fred apparently did would consider the circumstances of his transition to be perfect -- dancing with a loved one to the music he loved among his tribe. May his memory forever uplift.
Paul
August 8, 2025
Fare thee well
Gonna leave this broke down palace
On my hands and my knees, I will roll, roll, roll
Make myself a bed by the waterside
In my time, in my time, I will roll, roll, roll
In a bed, in a bed
By the waterside, I will lay my head
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
To rock my soul
Darlene
August 7, 2025
My condolences to friends and family.
Haley Lipps
August 7, 2025
Fred was my client at Gigi´s Salon and then followed me to my salon at BLO, he´s supported me 12 years since I moved back from Colorado. I bi-yearly hear from Fred about haircuts since his style was hippy vibes. I would mostly see him at local jam shows throughout the year and also bumped into him at a phish show in Chicago the first time I met him through a mutual family friend. He was in my phone as Fred RED. Ever since his passing I´ve seen Monarch butterflies and they speak to me in his memory for some reason. Keep the JAM going for Fred Forever
Andrea Dick
August 7, 2025
I didn't know Fred well, however I was blessed to have spent time with him at several shows in Michigan and we had a lot of fun together! I am grateful for the short amount of time we got to spend together enjoying the music we both love. Rest East my friend.
Patti Pletcher
August 7, 2025
I am so sorry to hear about Fred´s passing. He was a student of mine at ECHS in the 80´s. I have seen him a few times over the years, I will always remembered him with his great smile and his kindness. A special young man. RIP Fred, Patti Pletcher
San Francisco native
August 7, 2025
To the Cothard Family,
I did not know your dad, but I am a San Franciscan who read of his passing at the concert (SFGate article). How very sad for you. May happy memories bring you comfort.
Dave Alleshaski
August 7, 2025
Fare thee well Fred. We can't choose our last moment on Earth, but Fred certainly enjoyed his last day at a Dead show. My condolences to his family.
Rhonda Weaver Austin
August 7, 2025
So very sorry for the loss of Fred. Grew up with him Laura . May God hold his family close and the memories closer.
Jan Hill
August 7, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss may Hod grant unto him eternal rest snd peace.
Jan Hill
Kindergarten teacher
Michelle Giannetti
August 7, 2025
My prayers and condolences to Fred's family and friends. In the short time I have known him he has changed my life forever. He was dearly loved by so many and will be deeply missed. Proverbs 3:5-6.
Daniel King
August 7, 2025
I´ve worked with Fred for a number of years supplying Marvin Window and Door products to some of his projects. We didn´t talk often, but I enjoyed conversations we had from time to time. His voice was distinctive. He was just in my office week before last ordering a few windows for a project.
Mama Bear
August 6, 2025
Fred was one of the most beautiful humans I´ve ever known. Like so many others who knew and loved him, I´m completely heartbroken. Sending love to his beautiful children, who he was so proud of, and to all of the others who I know are missing him terribly. Fare Thee Well, Papa Bear. NFA
Richard & Valerie Parcell
August 6, 2025
Fred was an amazing person. So sorry to hear about his passing. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. RIP
Scott Conway
August 6, 2025
I had the pleasure of working with Fast Freddy a few times! Until me meet again my friend.
Eugene Groesbeck
August 6, 2025
RIP to a fellow Michigander and Deadhead. May the four winds blow you safely home.
Dana
August 6, 2025
So sorry for your loss. May his memory be a blessing.
Brian
August 6, 2025
Def going to miss building people's dream kitchens and bathrooms with you Fred! You made an impact on my life. Thank you! Til we meet agian. RIP.
Robin Friedlander
August 6, 2025
My deepest condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace and his memory be a blessing. He died doing what he loved. Fare thee well.
Jeff Linz
August 6, 2025
R.I.P.
John-o
August 6, 2025
It makes me sad to hear about Fred's passing!
He was a good man! Had a passion for life!
I'm out of town now, but always loved seeing him at the euchre parties and more!
Susan Phillips
August 6, 2025
Peace and blessings to Fred's family and all of those who knew him, or didn't know him. Fare you well dear sir.
Ted
August 6, 2025
Although I've never met him, I'm very sorry for your loss. He will be looking down, being thankful, and smiling like a Cheshire Cat! God bless.
Salina Daniels
August 6, 2025
I'm sorry, the world lost an amazing soul.. we were at the shows with you .. I couldn't imagine a more beautiful place to go home.. Not Fade Away friend
Mary Charbonnrau
August 6, 2025
I didn't know Fred, but I was at that show. My deepest condolences to all his family and friends.
Charla R
August 6, 2025
I don't know you but was at the show all weekend and part of the Dead family. Fare thee well, Fred. May the four winds blow you safely home....
Susan parkhouse
August 6, 2025
Rest in peace brutha.
Emily
August 6, 2025
We had never met, but true Heads are true family. Fare you well, brother. I extend my deepest condolences to all of your loved ones. May all take comfort knowing that you left this life surrounded by thousands of "family", a sea of love, and music you so clearly loved.
Josh Skelton
August 6, 2025
Strangers stopping strangers...
I didn't know you, but as part of the Dead family I send condolences.
Fare thee well.
May the four winds blow you safely home.
Jenn Bongiardina
August 6, 2025
Sending love from a total stranger... Love is real NFA
Zachary
August 6, 2025
Didnt know him personally but as a fellow dead head who attended the show, I just wanted to share my condolences. May the four winds blow you safely home. NFA
Bryan Harroun
August 6, 2025
Fare the well, brother. Rock in Peace.
Terri
August 6, 2025
Fred is not anyone I personally, but as a fellow Deadhead I just want to express my condolences to all his family and friends. Sounds like he had a very fulfilling life. RIP
Addie
August 6, 2025
Forever Grateful
Darlene Rasmussen
August 6, 2025
I don´t even know where to begin. You were an incredible person, fun, talented, and a devoted father. A true master of your craft. You had it all. You lived a full, vibrant life, and it shows in every photo. Your children were the light of your life and meant everything to you. Knowing they now have an incredible guardian angel will help to see them through this dark time. Thank you for all of the fun memories we shared, they´ll stay with me forever. ~such a long long time to be gone, and a short time to be there.
Showing 1 - 42 of 42 results
Make a Donation
in Fred Cothard's name
Memorial Events
for Fred Cothard
How to support Fred's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Fred Cothard's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
