Raymond COTE

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COTE: April 28, 1935~September 11, 2016. It is with great sadness that we have to announce the passing of Raymond cote; husband, dad, grandpa, brother and friend. With all of his women by his side he passed away peacefully at the age of 81, September 11, 2016, following a courageous battle with cancer. He leaves to mourn his wife Lorraine, daughters; Sandra (Wally) Kurtis, Daniella, Mattias; Donna (Brian) Dixie; barb (Mac) Pearce, Rayna; Jeannie (Neil) Samantha, Reid. He is also survived by brother Gerry Cote, Lucille Legare, sister-in-law Doreen Cote. He was predeceased by baby girl Marie in 1963 and brother Oliver Cote. Raymond will be missed for his infectious smile (smirk), famous nicknames of just about anybody or anything and of course the facial expressions and hand gestures that went along with them. Raymond was born a farmer on April 28, 1935, to Harry and Melvina Cote in the Dunrea area. He retired from farming in 1995. His daughters can say that the first swear words they ever heard him say happened when we rounded up the cattle or watched one of the many combine repairs. Raymond travelled the back roads of the hills and valley and later the streets of Killarney on many a daily tour (or sometimes 2-3) always the fishing pole in the truck “Just in case.” These tours sometimes involved a son-in-law, a daughter, a grandchild, or the wife!!! and a dog. With great wisdom to be shared. After the sale of the farm Raymond enjoyed his career with Manitoba Pool. It allowed him to (legitimately continue to travel the countryside crop checking…. Raymond’s love of travel brought him and Lorraine to many exciting places from east to west, north and south, sometimes with an old tent, a camper, or a sleazy hotel. Always with a cooler full of bologna and cheese and a beer or maybe two. A few of his favourite holidays included crab fishing and panning for gold. Raymond’s many hobbies included snowmobiling (when it would start) curling, first with a straw broom and then with a stick!! And of course the fishing (ice or otherwise). The fish story would most likely change depending on the time of day it was told or who was listening…. T.V. was a great pastime, Heartland being the most recent favourite. The new season is coming up dad (you have been waiting) so you will get to see it before us! So don’t spoil the beans….! The many wood projects (thanks to T.V.’s Bob Vila!!) and later Pinterest!! Are scattered on the trees, in houses and backyards of family, friends and neighbours. Dad’s greatest joy was his grandchildren and there many accomplishments. His smile, gestures and laughter as well as his sense of humour lives on in their unique personalities. Each grandchild has their own special way of expressing the impact grandpa has had on their lives.His memory will never die.

As published in Brandon Sun on Sep 17, 2016