William E. ‘Ed’ Cottrill, age 83, of Helena, passed away November 29, 2018. Ed was born in Helena, Montana, on November 2, 1935 and was the oldest child of Bill and Emma Cottrill. He was preceded in death by his parents. Ed is survived by his wife Janalene Cottrill, his sons Kevin (Michele) of Helena and David (Ginny) of Seattle, WA; grandchildren Cody, Chase, Anna and Alisa Cottrill; his brother Ken (Linda) Cottrill of Virginia and his nieces and nephews.
Ed attended schools in Helena and excelled in all sports that he participated in. He was a proud Varsity Letter member of the 1952 Helena High track team that was the first to ever win the State Track Championship for Helena High. After high school Ed joined the Army as a heavy wheeled mechanic until his separation in 1958. Following his release from the service he met Janalene Benjamin and they were married on December 19, 1959.
A true entrepreneur in spirit, Ed started and ran Cottrill Cleaning Service for several years, followed by the Cottrill Sod Farm, in the Helena Valley for 35 years. The family farm was always the place for a huge gathering of family and friends – celebrating Halloween, Christmas, birthdays and a few wedding ceremonies. The Easter celebration on the farm was the event of the year and was shared and enjoyed by all.
Following Ed’s retirement from the sod farm he purchased a motorhome and camped, mainly in the backyard, along with his cat and who enjoyed his evening snacks of crackers and sardines.
Ed always had a project in the works, a better rock picker to design or trees and grass to mow, he was never one to sit idle for more than 10 minutes. We enjoyed his spirit. He found many hobbies to keep him busy after retirement. He took up woodworking and created totem poles and many cute cutouts that he painted and shared. They still grace the yards of many friends and family members.
His Uncle Billy gave him an old ‘59 Chevy truck, that he could no longer drive, and Ed spent many hours lovingly restoring it. Soon after he collected Chevy trucks for the rest of the ‘50’s and redid them too. He had the whole line up in his yard and one day someone from the Old Navy Company came by and asked to buy them all for their store displays. He sold them all but the “Billy” truck, which is still in the family.
We wish to thank all of the wonderful neighbors and friends who help support Ed in his adventures and his stories that defined him as a true, remarkable storyteller.
A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 10, 2018 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave in Helena. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. The burial will follow at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Ed.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday December 10, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Monday December 10, 2018
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the reception
Monday December 10, 2018
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroe's Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday December 10, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Monday December 10, 2018
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the reception
Monday December 10, 2018
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroe's Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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allen stenhjem says
Janie,
Our thoughts and Prayers are with You and the Boys ,God Bless Ed………………..
Dudley williams says
Sincerest condolences to. Jane and family.
Jum Wilcox says
Janie and family, Jim and I are so sorry to her about Ed’s passing. wish we were there for your support. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you,now and the days ahead. RIP ED
God Bless
All our love
Jim and Sally Wilcox
Marilyn and Mark Olson says
Janie, Kevin, David and family,
Sending my prayers to you all. I have lots of fun and wonderful memories of Uncle Ed, your family touched my heart and life in many ways. I still have the cowboy he gave us the last time we stopped in my yard. Sending a hug to each of you.
Tonya Benjamin Killsnight says
Aunt Janie, Kevin and David… Im so very sorry for your loss. This is never easy and your all in my thoughts and prayers. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to be there for him and spend time with him while he was Here in Billings. I love you all and God Bless.
Tonya Benjamin Killsnight and Family
Susan Irish says
You were one of the few people in Helena I truly missed when I moved to New York. You were so kind to me. I loved sharing a bottle of wine that actually had a cork in it–not a twist cap. Oh, my, didn’t we feel fancy. I will never forget our last and final conversation. Thank you, Ed, for helping pack my parachute. Rest now. It is with sadness that I say my earthly goodbye. Job well done.
Brad and Mary Burns says
Janie, we always enjoyed your company when you and Ed came to visit Dave & Ginny. We especially enjoyed visiting you and Ed when we came up and camped out at your place. We were both very sorry to hear about Ed’s injury and eventual passing from your son Dave. We had always planned a return visit, but it’s hard for Mary to get around now days. We would both have been there if it wasn’t for her disability. Though saddened by the loss of your spouse of so many years, We’re sure you will carry on with the support of family and friends. Our prayers will always be with you. Brad & Mary
P.S. Ed is in a better place now……
Henry and Kim Flatow says
Dear Jan and family: We were so sorry to learn of Ed’s passing. We are thinking of you.
Bill & Sherri says
Dear Janie & family… so sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. Prayers for the family to find peace through these hard times. Bill & I have so many wonderful memories of camping by York Bridge. Rest in peace Ed & may you explore and find many new camping places, to share with us when we meet again.
Jim Baker says
Ed, we really had some tremendous hunting experiences togeather when we were in high school , also was ble to work with you at your fathers hide &taning plant. I learned a lot from you , you even let me drive your truck on our hunting trips. I was very proud of you lettering as a freshman pole vaulter as a member of our 1952 HHS track team. Ed ,after graduating form high school we never connected until our 60th class reunion. I was fortune to sit with you and share many memories with you.
Rest In Peace Ed.
Jim your HHS 55 classmate