Richard A. Cotton, 84, left his life unfinished on July 26th, 2024. How does one summarize and reflect on more than eight decades of the life of an amazing father and friend? We simply cannot. What we can do is tell you about the things he loved and those who loved him in return.
Dick was born and raised in Glasgow, Montana. Being the descendant of the first homesteader (Charles E. Hall), our dad was proud to carry on the family legacy. After serving in the Army, he enrolled at Northern Montana College. While earning his teaching degree, he would come home every spring and summer to farm alongside his dad, Sidney, and Uncles. He met Jean L. (McGuire) Cotton while attending Northern. They were married for 28 years until her death in 1994. He taught for over 30 years, first in Rudyard and Billings, then for Glasgow High School, until he retired in 1996.
In addition to teaching and farming during these years, he made friends with every person he ever met, or so it seemed. We could not go anywhere without him running into someone he knew. Whether his connection with other people was related to his love of cars (to be clear, he loved Ford's, and appreciated other classic autos), drag racing, farming, his family, dad jokes, or ice cream, he engaged with people on a level that is rare and precious. He served his community in many ways, from serving on the CHS board for several years to donating to the Civic Center to provide scholarships for youth who would not be able to participate in sports and activities otherwise.
It was amazing to see him find a new and profound love with Gwen during this last year. Our dad's life taught us many things, including a strong work ethic, that it is never too late to find love, and even as grown-ups, we never stop learning and growing.
He is preceded in death by his parents Sidney and Leanor (Hall) Cotton, sister Elaine, and wife, Jean. He is survived by his daughter, Stacey (Sam) Chay, son Grant (Joleen) Cotton, nephew Jim (Terri) Weldy, Jim’s son Brian (Beth) Weldy, and daughter Jamie (Ryan) Beckwith and grandchildren, Sophia Chay and Sidney and Elmer Cotton. He is also survived by his cousin Charles "Billy" Cotton who was his farming partner and, in many ways, a brother. He was also close with Billy's daughters Brenda and Brigit (Rich, Finnegan, Blythe). He left many people behind, too numerous to name.
Our dad requested that we not hold a formal service. The Flatland Cruisers will hold a celebration of life event this fall. In lieu of flowers and condolences, please consider donating to Shriners Hospitals for Children.
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