Book of Memories for Keith Cotner

Memorial Candle lit by Debra Daniel

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 19:37:22 EDT

Debra Daniel

Story shared: Remembering a good friend/uncle.

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 15:51:29 EDT

This is very hard to write, because my eyes keep welling up and I can hardly see the screen, but here goes... I remember looking forward all year to our visit to California to visit the Grandparents and Curt, Cristie and Keith. I got along with Keith well, because he was close to my age, and he had similar interests. He had a deep love for animals, and we had a great time catching turtles, frogs, snakes, and occasionally birds, just to check them out and release them again. I remember we were teaching him how to drive a stick shift, because he had just bought a 455 Trans Am, and didn't know how to drive it. The more I think, the more fond memories I have. I still can see the smile on his face... I don't think I know of anyone who has more of a kind heart. We shared secrets that will never be spoken, and I am proud to say he is my uncle, and always have been. Although I have always thought that I would get the chance, I did not get the privilege of knowing Keith as an adult, but I always knew that he would become a strong, caring, extraordinary Man and from what I gather, he was that and more. I know that I have thought about you in the past, and missed you, but I really miss you now.

Story shared: Looking back from his Nephew

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 02:05:19 EDT

When I was a kid I looked so forward to a visit with grandma and grandpa. The bonus of the trip was seeing and playing with Keith. I did have fun with the other 2 siblings as well but Keith was more my age and around a little more than the others. It seemed that we did everything that we could cram into a week or two. Mostly swimming, riding bikes, going to the store for candy/Ice Cream, playing games and trying to manipulate grandma into taking us somewhere, oh and maybe get a dollar or 2 out of her. My brother (Danny) is about 4 years younger than I and Keith was 2 years younger. Now my brother and I would fight over Keith as to who he would like better. Sometime Keith would not choose sides and sometimes he would choose a side only to come around to please the other side and do it all over again, it was all in fun! I've always been proud to say that I have a younger uncle, than me. In every case when I tell someone the person replies, "Really? How does that work?" It's not a Jerry Springer thing I'd tell the person I'm talking to. Then tell of the family tree and how it worked out. It's sad to say that it's been a long time since I physically seen Keith as we had gone separate ways and got too involved in our own lives. I am happy that Keith and I had a chance to talk to each other over the phone about two months ago. It was difficult trying to catch up with each other after 30 some odd years. We did our best and thought there would be more time to catch up some more. I'm saddened that the possibility of really reconnecting is gone. Keith, sorry for my lack of initiative over the years. Knowing you're gone, you will be missed!

Photo shared: Time at the Hackney's

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 01:12:43 EDT

This one goes way, way back visiting great grandma, Keith's grandma. Keith standing in front of Buddy.

Photo shared: Sick with the Mumps

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 01:10:03 EDT

Here is Keith 1975 with the Mumps and could not go to my mom's wedding. So he stayed in the motel.....I'm sure he enjoyed his time better!

Condolence From Sarah Stokes

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 18:37:30 EDT

Joe & Becky, I'm sorry to hear that your dad/husband passed away. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Sarah Stokes

Condolence From Teresa Compton-Hull/Dover High School

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 17:10:45 EDT

I am deeply sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. May God Bless you all. Prayers~

Story shared: My Brother

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 22:25:38 EDT

Though I was 21 when my brother, Keith, was born he was still a very special brother. As a child he played with my children. As a divorced mom I would visit my extended family and it was a great vacation for my two oldest sons to spent time with their aunt and uncles who were only years apart. In June of 1975, Keith came to stay for a couple of weeks before my marriage to Bill. He went to church with us and decided he wanted to be baptized. He and my son Dan had a great time down by Sandy river and catching garter snakes and then would take them for "walks". What a great time they had together. We lost touch over the years after our Mother passed away but a few years ago he called me from a truck stop in Troutdale and we spent several precious hours together. Then we lost touch again but Joe emailed me through FB. I thank God for FaceBook or I might not have been able to talk to Keith before he left us. I wish I could be there to show support to the rest of the family. Know that I am praying for all of you and I love each of you so much.

Photo shared: My brother Keith and I

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 21:32:49 EDT

Condolence From Tessa Brookhart

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 20:44:39 EDT

Becky and Joe, you are both in our prayers. I am really at a loss for words, however wanted you two to both know we are praying for you during this time. Tess & Doug

Story shared: From a niece

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 20:29:54 EDT

I have no photographs to share, if I had they would be from ages ago. However, I can close my eyes and still remember a large flat, sparsely treed land with a brown (I could be wrong on the color) double wide sitting smack in the middle, surrounded by cars (one being a little mustang II) and a fishing boat. Behind it, an endless row of dog kennels housing the most beautiful German shepherds I'd ever seen. As the door of the home opens on this property, the most loyal rottweiler peeks his head out to greet any visitors (of course, with a sniff to the crouch, followed by a guffy smile and lick). Keith would be standing right behind him ready to great a guest with a great big hug. I still remember the last hug good bye (from well over a decade ago... ) on a hot, muggy, Arkansas summer day, a shirtless Keith gave me the greatest bear hug (a much younger me could not fathom how a man could have come to possess so much chest hair!). I wish I would have been able to visit with him just a summer or so ago, when my mother met up with him here in Oregon. Keith will be missed by a niece that he remembers as a little girl, that remembers him as an amazing, caring, kind and loving uncle.

Photo shared: cotner.jpg

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 10:51:23 EDT