Albert Henry Cote

Surrounded by family, Albert "Al" Henry Cote peacefully went to meet his maker on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at the age of 92 in Yakima, Washington.
Born in 1931 in Bovey, Minnesota, Al would run trap lines in nearby streams to collect fur pelts, fish for bass, and spear muskies in the many nearby lakes. Growing up, he developed his incredible work ethic on the family farm where they raised all their own food.
The family moved to Yakima in 1947 to find greener economic pastures, less harsh weather, and to join family. Al attended Marquette High School and then went "all through" Yakima Valley College as he liked to say, "I went in the front door and out the back!" After high school, Al joined the U.S. Coast Guard where he served on weather ships during the Korean War.
While stationed in Seattle, Al married the love of his life, Elise Beaulaurier, of Moxee, Washington. They were married in 1953 and so enjoyed 70 years together. The couple was blessed with five children (David (Christine) of Selah, WA, Chris (Mary Ann) of Juanita, WA, John of Yakima, WA, Michelle Betcone (Bob) of Portland, OR, and Lisa Gleason (Tom) of Seattle, WA), seven grandchildren (Aly Silva (Cesar Silva), James Cote, Mike Cote, Elise Gleason, Maria Gleason, Gabriella Gleason, and Brian Betcone) and four great-grandchildren (Oliver, Lucy, Tommy, and Mariana Silva).
Al started his post-service career as a bean farmer, but very quickly found a calling as a sales agent with the New York Life Insurance Company. Al was blessed with a silver tongue, was likable and, most importantly, sincere. These qualities quickly propelled him into management after only two years as an agent. Al managed a Seattle office for five years but was promoted again to run the Eastern Washington regional office out of Yakima. While holding the position for 24 years, Al started with a small operation that he grew into one of the most successful agencies in the country, expanding the marketing force to more than 100 agents.
Al was the consummate outdoorsman. He was the "Chief" to his sons and his many friends, and led many hunting and fishing trips to Alaska, Montana, and throughout the Northwest. He gained a reputation as a great salmon fisherman and a keen bird hunter. The phone was always ringing with other sportsmen calling in with the daily reports of outings or requests for the hot spots - Al was the clearing house of knowledge for sportsmen, but just as often was simply the guy people loved to talk with. His love of the outdoors bonded him to others who shared his passion, regardless of age or walk of life.
Al could be very direct at times, but at the same time was a sensitive and empathetic man. He enjoyed growing beautiful roses in his garden for Elise and extended his generosity to many family members and friends. There was always room at the Cote dinner table for extra people and many of his children's friends looked up to him as a second father. Al quit drinking alcohol in 1975, and over the years he quietly helped many others to do the same.
Our family would like to acknowledge the great caregivers who compassionately have tended to our parent's needs. Dr. Jeff Kaplan, live-in caregiver Lata (Susie) Ifalani, Theresa Mottet, Karen Holzer, Pat Dilbeck, and Elizabet Sanchez.
Al is survived by his beloved wife Elise and sister June Skog of Seattle, WA. Al was preceded in death by sisters Loraine and Elsymae and brother Don.
A celebration of his simple life-richly lived will be held with a Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Family Catholic Church in Yakima, WA on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at 10:30 am. A vigil service will be held at Brookside Funeral Home in Moxee, WA at 6 pm Tuesday, December 26, 2023.
If you wish to honor Al's memory in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Al and Elise Cote Scholarship Fund at Perry Technical Institute.