Don Cote

Surrounded by his loving family, Don Cote passed away peacefully on August 28, 2024, at Frasier Meadows in Boulder, Colorado. After 83 years, Don’s legacy is deeply rooted in his love for his family—his devoted wife of 61 years, Sara, his three children, and his cherished grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Grampy” and “Poppy.” His recent joy in becoming a great-grandfather was a testament to the pride he took in his growing family.

Don was born to Evelyn and Joseph Napoleon Cote on September 19, 1940, in Dover, New Hampshire. He received an Engineering scholarship and completed his degree at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) in 1963. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Sara. Don and Sara were married on June 10, 1963, in Dover, NH, shortly after which they moved to Washington, D.C., where Don began his career in federal service.

Don completed a Master’s degree from UNH, and their family grew with the addition of three children: Elisabeth, James, and Joseph. In 1980, Don moved the family to Boulder, Colorado, to begin his career with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). After 37 years of federal service, spanning the U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the National Weather Service, and NOAA, Don retired in 1995. Don then started a second career in financial services.

He and Sara also enjoyed traveling the world, visiting five continents, and celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with an Alaskan cruise, accompanied by the entire Cote family. Don was a lifelong learner exploring photography, sailing, and scuba diving. A passionate woodworker, his family continues to be surrounded by the beautiful furniture, pens, frames, and useful objects he created.

Throughout his 40-plus years in Boulder, Don was an integral part of the community as a member of the Sacred Heart of Mary Parish. His numerous civic activities included the conservation of Open Space, advocating for flood mitigation, and running for city council. He was especially proud of the twenty years of volunteer work with the AARP Tax-Aide program assisting seniors and low-income families.  His legacy lives on in the service he provided for the Boulder community, the Frasier community, and his family. 

Don was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Joseph Cote. He is survived by his wife, Sara; daughter, Elisabeth Cote Stade; sons, James Cote (Laura McAnulty) and Joseph Cote (Lise St. Denis); grandchildren, Lauren Cote (Ben Snyder), Eva Cote, Jack Stade, Nick Stade; and great-granddaughter, Cordelia Snyder.

A Celebration of Life and reception will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Frasier Meadows in Boulder, Colorado. In place of flowers, contributions may be made in Don’s name to the Frasier Meadows Employee Education Fund or the Sacred Heart of Mary Church in Boulder.

As he always said to his family at bedtime, his family now lovingly wishes him “Night God Bless”.