William Lewis “Bill” Cota, known to family and friends as Bill, passed away on November 29, 2018 at the VA Hospital in Portland, Oregon after a brief illness. He had celebrated his 75th birthday with family and friends on September 29th. Bill was born in Hillsboro, Oregon on September 29, 1943 to Raymond and Beryl Smith Cota.
He joined his sister Katherine “Bunny” in the family home in Vernonia, Oregon. Later, he received his education in Sweet Home, Oregon. Bill joined the Navy at the age of 17, and was united in marriage to Mary Steers on September 11, 1961.
Following their marriage, Bill and Mary made their home in Vernonia, Oregon, and celebrated 57 years of marriage this past year. Bill enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends. He left behind many wonderful memories with all who had the pleasure of spending time in the woods or on the water with him.
Bill was a great story teller, and was happiest when he was making other people laugh. He loved to tease and was known for his big smile. For many years he was involved with the Frog Valley Breakers CB club, and enjoyed playing bunco with a great group of friends.
Bill spent 50 years working in the woods or driving a log truck for several different companies. In his younger years, Bill was very involved in the Vernonia Logging Show and also emceed it. Bill and Mary have always been big supporters of the Vernonia High School athletics.
They could be found in their special seats at all the home games, with a bag of chocolate chip cookies for the team. Bill was president of the Vernonia Booster Club for several years. Bill attended the Vernonia Christian Church and was a favorite among the young children.
He always had a supply of tootsie rolls in his shirt pocket, and handed them out with a big smile to all the kids before church. He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Cota, his mother, Beryl Smith Cota, and his sister, Katherine “Bunny” Simmons. Bill is survived by his wife, Mary, and his three children and their spouses, Chris and Kala Cota, Cassandra and Jerry Budge, and Ray and Jennifer Cota, all of Vernonia, Oregon.
Also surviving are his 9 grandchildren, Kyle Cota and Kristin Johnston, Bryan and Eric Budge, Bobby, Brandon, and Shandee Lokken, and Riley and Paige Woodall, and 8 great-grandchildren. The family suggests that remembrances may be contributions to the Vernonia Education Foundation, 1000 Missouri Avenue, Vernonia, Oregon, 97064. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Vernonia Christian Church, 410 North Street, Vernonia, Oregon, on January 4, 2019 at 11:00 AM.
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