AUBURN — Richard G. Cote returned to our Lord on Friday, Jan. 12, at home surrounded by his family after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born to George and Adrienne (Lemieux) Cote on Nov. 29, 1930.

Richard attended St. Louis, Walton and Edward Little schools where he played football, baseball and hockey. “Rocket Richard” was his favorite hockey player.

Richard worked at Airtread Shoe, Bates Mill, Koss Shoe, Jimmy’s Gas Stations and Oil Delivery as a truck driver and at BIW for 15 years until his retirement in 1994, as lead man in the Pipe Shop.

On Oct. 29, 1949, he married Aurore Parent, whom he met while working at Airtread. They had five daughters together, Susan, Cathy, Mary, Janice and Denise.

The past two years we took care of Dad at home so he would not have to go in a nursing home. It was a team effort providing daily caregiving, housekeeping and laundry or building a ramp for him; everyone pitched in. He was so appreciative to everyone. He would tell anyone who met him, once we had hospice caregivers coming in, that he had five daughters and sons-in-law who took care of him. He would always name us in order and his wife, Aurore. All he cared about were his five girls, his grandkids, great-grandkids and his wife, Aurore, with whom he had reconciled.

He always complimented us on what good cooks we were or how well the house was decorated for him for each holiday. He would continuously thank us by saying, “Thank you for everything you do for me,” and he always offered to help, even though he couldn’t.

Dad was a hard worker and a good provider his entire life. He worked two jobs much of his life to provide for his family. He did not want hand-outs and never missed a day of work.

He never complained, even in the end when we knew he was in pain. He used to say, “I could complain, but what good would it do?” Even with his disease, he knew us all until the end. He instilled in his girls his work ethic and family values, which we always treasure. He supported us no matter where our paths led us and he will be dearly missed.

He leaves behind his wife, Aurore; his five daughters, Susan Page and husband Steve, Cathy Lachance and husband Rick, Mary Levesque and husband John, Janice Cote and Denise Denis and husband, Mike; his grandchildren, Stephanie Storer and husband Nathan, Jason Trott, whom he helped raise, and wife Becca, Joshua Palmer and Michael, Nicole Denis, and Jessie Levesque; three great-grandchildren Alexis, Dominic and Isaiah Trott; brothers-in-law Ralph Asselin and Bert Provencher; sisters-in-law Lilly Ayotte and husband Leo, and Lorraine Gilmore and husband Earl; and several nieces and nephews. Richard was predeceased by his parents, three sisters Gert Goulet and husband, Flo, Gloria Asselin and Gabe Provencher, and a brother Roger Cote and wife Lorraine; a son-in-law, Cleveland Palmer, and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Alice and Willie Parent.

Special thanks to Dr. Lise Cloutier, Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice and his entire team of caregivers for the care and support he received. Dad also really enjoyed the Hospice choir who came to sing for his last birthday. Truly, you are all angels. If it had not been for your team these past two months, we could not have kept Dad at home. Our sincerest thanks to all of you. “You will be forever in our hearts, Dad.” Until we meet again …

Please visit www.thefortingroupauburn.com to leave a message in the online guest book.

Richard G. Cote

Richard G. Cote

Copy the Story Link