Obituary of Michael Cotton

Obituary Michael Cotton passed away March 27th at home, after being in the hospital for over 3 months. He was a warrior right up until the end. We would expect nothing less from “Honeybear” He was a wonderful Father who took us on many adventures. When we were little, on Christmas morning he would make us sing a few Christmas songs before we could go see what Santa brought us, it was torture. He would cook us pancakes and go to Albertsons and buy the expensive Knott's Berry Farm flavored syrup, everything was special. He was involved with IHMSA (International Handgun Metallic Silhouette Association) and was the President for the Utah Chapter 79-80. We traveled to various matches enjoying and participating in the sport with him. All of us were shooting in the matches. He made a lot of friends there. He kept in touch with a youngster who was still shooting as an adult. Once you met him, you wanted to be his friend. He was Full Time National Guard and a very proud American. He had many Chili cook offs at Camp Williams. He always made things so hot, you would sweat when you would eat it. But it was so good, you would eat it anyway. He was a great cook. In the mid 90’s he was an avid bike rider and enjoyed many friendships as a result. One year, he logged 10,000 miles. Unfortunately, he was hit by a car riding to work one day and things were never the same for him. He rode very little after that. He loved exploring the hills of Tucson. He was proud to say, he worked on the artificial heart that Dr. Robert Jarvik invented. It was the first successful artificial heart. What a neat moment in history in 1982. Ironically, he had surgery to get a pace maker implanted, less than a week when he passed away. He enjoyed so many things. Long range pistols, reloading, fine tuning the loads and unique calibers. He loved going camping, hunting and fishing, Nascar, Mexican food, well just food in general. Over the years he made some amazing beer and wine. Recently he “downsized” his supplies and was going to make smaller batches. He still held out hope that he could go to Montana to do a 1,000 yard pistol shoot. New Mexico for an antelope, Texas for a wild hog and Northern Arizona to get an Elk. He always said, do things while you still can enjoy them. We were blessed to have him these last 9+ years because of a generous donor who gave him a kidney. We are grateful for that. Consider being a donor, it changes lives, It changed ours. Although these last years he’s been in declining health, we are forever grateful to his wife, Jo for the care she gave him through the transplant and know he wouldn’t have made it this long without her help. Thank you. Please leave your comments and any pictures on the tribute wall. Our family would love to see the memories you share. He was a special Man and touched a lot of people. God speed Dad. Watch out Heaven, you’ve got your hands full!!! Per his request, there will be no services. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael Cotton, please visit our floral store.