Richard (Dick) Cottle

Richard (Dick) John Cottle was born January 12,1931, in Yellow Creek, Pennsylvania. Wasilla was home until his peaceful passing of natural causes on August 26, 2015.

The Smith-Cottle homestead became his home in 1948. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII in Germany. Dick returned to Alaska and joined Operating Engineers #302 to work on many Alaskan construction projects until he retired at age 57. Retirement allowed him time to be more involved with the VFW Post 9365, AmVets Post 9, American Legion Post 35, and Masons. Dick would man the AmVet and Masons booth at the fair, dig a grave for a fallen friend, and play Santa Claus with his distinguished gray beard. Dick was an avid hunter and fisherman, always enjoying Alaska’s bounty.

He was preceded in death by mother Della, father John Cottle, and step-father Vincent Smith; siblings Betty LePors, Marge Johnson, Jerry Cottle and Rodney Cottle.

He is survived by brother Benny (Marlene) Cottle, and sister Mildred Minnick; daughters Diane (John) Wilson, Nelle (Travis) Dunn, and Sharron (Chris) Johnson; and 7 grandchildren.

A memorial service will be September 5, 2015, at 1 p.m. at the VFW on Lakeview Avenue in Wasilla.