WILFORD NELSON COTTON

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WILFORD NELSON COTTON Peacefully early Sunday morning April 26, 2009 at the age of 91 years, Wilford Nelson Cotton passed away at the Swan Valley Lodge surrounded by love. Wilford is survived by Sheila, his loving wife of 68 years; children, Marilyn (Ron) Sigurdson of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Gloria (Al Barrett) of Winnipeg, Linda (Leonard) Kowalevsky of Swan River, Manitoba and Neal (Linda) Cotton of Swan River; eight grandchildren, Janine (Jim) Turnbull, Teryl (Bryan) Parker, Scott (Marnie) Sigurdson, Justin (Sarah) Kowalevsky, Derek Kowalevsky, Michelle Cotton (Travis Neely), Karen Cotton (Josh Podolski) and Joanne Cotton; six great-grandchildren, Tanner and Tyla Turnbull, Brooke and Carter Sigurdson, Chandler Cotton and Kyle Neely; special niece Arlene Nelson (Rae); close friend Lori Root; sisters-in-law Cicely Sadler, Vera Parker and Iris Stinson; and numerous nieces and nephews. Wilford was predeceased by his parents Nelson and Vida Cotton; his one brother Clarence and sister-in-law Violet; daughter-in-law Lori and infant granddaughter and four brothers-in-law, Lyman Sadler, Percy Parker, Ronald Wilson and Jack Stinson. Wilford Wilf was born in Kenville, Manitoba on December 31, 1917 and received his education at Kenville School. After completing high school he started working on the family farm with his dad and brother Clarence. Wilford married Sheila Wilson of Kenville in 1940 and they continued their farming life together. They had four children, Marilyn, Gloria, Linda and Neal. Wilford was a farmer all his life and was joined by his son Neal in the operation of the family farm. Wilford enjoyed various sports. He played hockey, baseball, curling and golf and refereed hockey. He enjoyed helping in the Kenville community by serving on the church, hall, rink and school boards. He also was a member of the Swan Valley Agricultural Society for 44 years and served on the Swan Valley School Division Board. Freemasonry was an important part of Wilford's life. He was a member of Prince Arthur Masonic Lodge, Royal Arch Masons (Grand First Principal, 1967), Shriners and Order of the Eastern Star (Worthy Grand Patron, 1986). Wilford and Sheila enjoyed travelling and purchased a mobile home in Pine to Palm Trailer Park in Weslaco, Texas. They made it their winter home for 25 years. During the winter months shuffleboard became a favourite sport as did playing bridge with friends in Texas and Swan River. Wilford and Sheila built a home and moved off the farm into Swan River in 1987. They enjoyed over 20 years together in their home. In January 2006, they enjoyed a family Caribbean cruise to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary. Due to health problems Wilford moved to the Swan Valley Lodge in the fall of 2007 where he received excellent care until his passing. Special thanks to the doctors and nursing staff at Swan Valley Hospital and Swan Valley Lodge. Cremation and a memorial service have taken place. If friends so desire, memorial donations in Wilford's memory may be made to Swan Valley Health Facilities Foundation (Swan Valley Lodge), Box 1450, Swan River, MB, R0L 1Z0 or Kenville United Church care of Heather Holian, Box 101, Kenville, MB R0L 0Z0. Honoured to serve the Family, Paull Funeral Home and Crematorium 506-2nd Street North, Swan River, 734-4556.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 12, 2009