Ronald Eugene Cottier December 31, 1943 - May 21, 2021

I, Ronald Eugene Cottier, was born December 31st, 1943, in Vanport, Oregon, and I passed from this earth on May 21st, 2021. I was the third of five children born to my parents, June and Gene Cottier.

During WWII, my father, Gene, worked in the Portland shipyards, joined the Merchant Marines, and served in the North Pacific before moving back to Caldwell, Idaho, where my brother, Charles (Butch), and youngest sister, Janice, were born. Our family built a home and resided on Canyon Hill.

I graduated from Caldwell High School in 1962 and played football, basketball, and baseball with many people who ended up becoming my life-long friends. I was also involved in student government during my senior year.

I attended the University of Idaho before attending Boise Junior College and then joined the Idaho Air National Guard. At Boise Junior College, I met a young girl named Jean Mingo, who would become the love of my life. We married in August of 1966. After graduating from Boise College, we moved to Kellogg, Idaho, where I taught U.S. & World History at Kellogg High School. During my time at Kellogg High School, I also assistant-coached football and track. Both of our sons, Ben and Brian, were born in Kellogg.

Five years later, in August of 1974, we moved from Kellogg to Boise, and I went to work for Interstate Electric Supply, where I remained for nearly 28 years. During my time with Interstate Electric, I formed close friendships with my coworkers; Doug Baalson, Mike Leavitt, Wendell Burchard, Jim Frye, John Echeverria, and a very dear friend, Mike Van Vleet.

I retired at the end of 2001 and began life as a retiree. Jean and I traveled to New Zealand with Jean’s cousin, George Gamboa, and Teresa Gamboa. Over the years, Jean and I enjoyed traveling with friends to Hawaii before deciding that Maui was our favorite place to visit. We have fond memories of many years of traveling to Maui with our friends; John and Mary Thomas, Larry and Diane Hellhake, Phil and Vicki Ruebel, Bob and Marcia Ross, and Larry and Jackie Luabenheim. John, Larry, and I spent numerous hours at the golf course playing countless rounds of golf. More recently, we met Don and Hedi, and Don and Julie, while staying at Napili Sunset and greatly enjoyed spending time with them while we were there.

Jean and I have stayed in contact with many friends from our past, including Dr. Ralph Nishitani, Ken, and Janice Sayler, Tom and Kathy Dickey, and Ron and Susan White. Thank you to my friends, you know who you are, for keeping our poker nights together, and Thank you to my golfing friends who kept me going until I could no longer play.

I am survived by my sisters, Virginia (Jack) Doan of Caldwell, Sandra Whitmore of Boise, Charles Cottier of Caldwell, and Janice (Phil) Ioset of Scottsdale, AZ. who were always there to offer help if needed.

My wife, Jean, helped me throughout my long struggle with cancer. Ben (Lisa) and Brian (Kristin) and their wonderful daughters, Bennett and Grayson Cottier, have brought many joys to our lives.

I want to thank the staff at MSTI, Dr. Montgomery and Dr. Kriesle, Dr. Sawyer, Dr. Smith, and all the nurses who cared for me while undergoing treatments at the facility.

It is difficult to say only a few lines about how vital Jean has been in my life, not only as a wonderful mother and grandmother but also in how she has kept me going these last years. Ben, Brian, and their families have also been very supportive of me. I only wish I could have enjoyed a few more fishing trips with my sons. Fortunately, we enjoyed family trips to Maui, Jackson Hole, Klamath Falls, the Oregon Coast, Crater Lake, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone, and McCall.

Join us for a graveside service – June 10th, noon at Dry Creek Cemetery located at 9600 Hill Rd, Boise, ID 83714, followed by a CELEBRATION OF LIFE from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at The StoneHouse located at 709 E Park Blvd, Boise, ID 83712. Please come and share your memories and stories with family and friends.