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Richard Cote Obituary
He was born on Sept. 14, 1934, in Lewiston, Maine, a son of the late Albert C. and Mary (Davis) Cote.
Rev. Cote joined the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in August 1954 at their Novitiate in Colebrook, N.H., and professed his perpetual vows on Sept. 8, 1958 in Natick, Mass.
He was ordained to the priesthood on Sept. 15, 1960, at Ste. Jean-Baptiste Church in Lowell by Bishop Louis Collignon, OMI.
His first obedience was to Basutoland, Africa, in 1961. In Africa, he was general secretary of the Lesotho Ecumenical Association from 1967 to 1969, then provincial consultor for the Lesotho Oblate Province of Southern Africa from 1970 to 1973. In 1974 he was an expert consultant at the 1974 Synod of Bishops in Rome.
He returned to the states in 1979 as associate professor at Loyola University in New Orleans, where he taught musicology. He then went on to become director of the Oblate pre-novitiate program in Brighton, Mass., then director of formation, and coordinator of lay leadership and ministries. From 1980 to 1986 he was both a member of the Provincial Council of Ste. Jean-Baptiste Province and an executive board member of the Oblate Formation Conference of the United States.
Following these assignments he taught at Oblate College in Washington, D.C., and then taught for one year at the University of Ottawa. For the next two years he was assigned to the Oblate Seminary Residence in Brighton.
In September 1989 he left for Ottawa, where he had been a professor at St. Paul University. Fr. Cote was in demand as a resource person and speaker in Canada and Europe until his death.
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Cote
Anne Cote McManus
April 5, 2005
I remember the first time I met Father Cote. My family was visiting the Courchesnes', as many were gathered to welcome him home from Africa. I must have been eleven years old. When we were introduced to him, I made eye contact with him for a few moments and he smiled. I remember thinking, "his eyes look like Jesus' eyes" as he seemed to really see me. Other adults might have looked through me thinking I was a child and insignificant, but I've never forgotten his loving glance.
I thought of him frequently, and was deeply saddened to learn he had died, but I know that the angels and saints rejoiced in welcoming him home...God Bless his friends and family who will miss him so. Peace, Anne
Rebecca Cote`
March 30, 2005
Such a peaceful man, a spiritual genius, and a loving uncle you were. My father shall miss his best friend, his mentor, his brother… but shall welcome more profoundly, an angel. Your achievements and intentions will be admired for generations in our family, Uncle Dickie, and your memory shall always be cherished.
Love and eternal peace,
Rebecca
Amelia & Gilberto Garcia
March 22, 2005
We feel privileged to have gotten the opportunity to meet Dickie during his visits to Hurst and Houston, TX. During visits with Edmund and Adolfo we would have occasions to visit with him. He made us feel like we had always been part of his family even though he had just met us. His warm and caring personality drew us to him. As Adolfo's sister, I know I speak for all of our family when I say we really were blessed to have had the chance to meet him. I feel he will be watching over us all. His smile; his laughter; and his wisdom will remain with us forever.
Adolfo's Sister and Brother-in-Law
Valerie Courchesne
March 18, 2005
Can think of much to say at a time like tis just remembering all the memories the car races, the scaring stories and the dolls hanging on the wall. These stories will continue on.
Lisa Gilbert
March 18, 2005
Uncle Dickie,
You'll truely be missed. You've left us with the memories that go on for ever. I loved the way you like to play tricks on us and our children and then sharing with them.
The love you have for your family and friends. I could go on and on.
May God be with all your loved ones you have left behind. May we share the memorise. We love you.
Connie Normand
March 16, 2005
The cousins from Salem MA have many fond memories of our vacations with Dick, and his family at their home in Derry NH.
This mainly took place in the 40's and it is so true to say "Those Were The Good Old Days".
The idea of leaving the city to go to a farm excited each one of us because this would give us a chance to spend fun times with our cousins; Aunt May, Uncle Al, Ted, Dick, Edna, Rita, Edmund, Rachel and Paul.
We would get excited about pumping water at their kitchen sink. We will never forget the hearty laughter, the sing-a-longs, the delicious fresh vegetables from their garden, the milking of "Nutmeg" the cow, and of course the "outhouse", etc.
We are all very proud of Father Richard's accomplishments and he will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
The cousins from 12 Linden St. Salem, MA Dorothy Simard known as "Aunt Dot", Dolores, Connie, Donnie, Claudette, Arline, Arthur, Doris.
Michael Cote
March 14, 2005
The Cote family history that you were able to piece together is amazing. It will continue to provide entertainment and thoughtful reflection for generations. Rest in peace.
Norman Cote
March 14, 2005
Dear Cousin Dickie,
Memories take me back to our childhood and what fun we had. Especially you the "king" of the pranksters. These are good memories which I will cherish always along with the pride we have in you as an adult.
Jack Cote
March 13, 2005
Dear Fr. Dickie,
You were a wonderful cousin. Many thanks for the great Cote family history. All that intelligence packaged with such a great sense of humour and ready smile! You've gained the high ground! Rest in His love!...First cousin Jack
Suzanne Botelho
March 11, 2005
Uncle Dickie:
We love you and miss you terribly. Thank you for the memories.
Suzanne, Juliana and Jeffrey
Catherine Blucher
March 11, 2005
I was a friend of the family many years ago and was very fond of "Uncle Dickie" he was very peaceful, kind and had a quick wit. It's a comfort to know he's passed on to a much better place where he is reunited with passed loved ones. 'til we meet again.
Love and condolences to the family.
Kitty
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