Obituary of Richard James Cotter

Richard James Cotter Services for Richard James Cotter will be Monday who passed away February 17, 2011 at Dominican Hospital after a long battle with liver disease. He was 59. He was born in Santa Cruz on October 17, 1951, the son of Cliff and Marguerite (Olivas) Cotter. Richard grew up in Santa Cruz and was a graduate of Santa Cruz High School. He spent his entire life in Santa Cruz where he worked in auto body repair and painting. He was characterized by his family as the "best handyman" around As a young man Richard earned a pilot's license and loved to fly. Never losing his love for flying and aircraft in more recent years he enjoyed going to air shows. He also loved music, playing both the guitar and piano. He is survived by his daughters, Vanessa Montoya Araujo and her husband Manuel of Santa Cruz and Ellena Cotter and her fiancée, Abel Fuerte of Santa Cruz; brother, John Cotter of Santa Cruz; three sisters, Rose Yearwood of Boulder Creek, Cathy Colby of Santa Cruz and Patty Cotter of WA; he is also survived by two grandchildren, three nieces and two nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Susan Sotelo and his parents, Cliff Cotter and Marguerite Cotter. A celebration of his life will be held at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga St, Santa Cruz, CA on February 28, 2011 at 2:00 pm. Please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com, to light a candle for Richard or express your condolences for his family. Interment will be private.