John Edwin Cotton
March 31, 1925 ~ June 18, 2017 (age 92) 92 Years OldJohn Edwin Cotton of the Harlington District, Rural Municipality of Swan River passed away in the Swan Valley Health Centre on June 18th, 2017 at the age of 92 years. John was born in his parent’s home on March 31st, 1925 to Allan and Merle Cotton. He completed Grade 8 at the local one room school.
John married Margaret Elizabeth (Martindale) on April 18th, 1945. Margaret was from the Lenswood district. They met at a MFA Folk School in their teens. Margaret sadly passed away on February 23rd, 2013.
When they married, John and Marg moved across the road to live in his grandparent’s home, AJ and Esther Louise Cotton, who were pioneers in the valley. He lived there until he entered the hospital on May 5th, 2017. John actively farmed for 76 years. His main interest was skiing at Thunder Hill and helping with the Thunder Hill Ski Club. He enjoyed singing in Barbershopper’s and playing the organ for service at Kenville United Church.
John is survived by his three sons and their spouses Brian (Mildred) of Harlington District, Edwin (Marg) of Thunder Hill District and Glen (Lynne) of Saskatoon. He is also survived by his sister Laura TerHorst and Ruth TerHorst; he has 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
John was predeceased by his daughter Sharon (Cotton) Ross; brother Lyle Cotton and sister Mabel Colquhoun.
Throughout his life he has been involved with many organizations including The Association of Community Living, Manitoba Pool Elevators, Harlington School Trustee; Canadian Food Grains Bank, Toastmasters, Kenville Hall Board, Swan Valley Hospital Board, Harlington, Durban and later Kenville United Church Boards, Thunder Hill Ski Club and the Wellman Lake United Church Camp Board. Most recently he was interested in the Refugee Committee.
In recent years, he organized the annual family Christmas dinner for extended family and friends at the Kenville Hall. He will be sadly missed by his family.
He was the type of person who enjoyed meeting people and was good at remembering name. He will certainly be missed by many.
Charitable donations may be made to:
S.V. Health Facilities Foundation
Swan River MB R0L 1Z0
Wellman Lake United Church Camp
Box 1257, Swan River MB R0L 1Z0