It is with a heavy heart that we announce the loss of Gary Lee Cota, age 74. He went Home on October 28, 2026 surrounded by family.

He was deeply loved by those who remain. Surviving are his wife of 36 years, Connie, and daughters Kaitlin and Maija. Also surviving are his siblings Debbie Shafer, Lauri Rowley and Scott (Jessica) Cota, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Marcy, his sister, Sharon McCauley, parents, Carlton and Ruth (Dean) Cota and brothers-in-law, Rod Shafer and Douglas Rowley. For us, Gary’s faith, strength, and perseverance will have a lasting impact from which we will draw inspiration and comfort.

Born June 17th, 1952 in Norfolk, New York, Gary’s early life was spent surrounded by the natural beauty of the Adirondack Mountains. His days were spent on adventures in the woods, quarry, train tracks and waters with his friends and siblings. Stories of his antics and adventures brought laughter and remain family favorites.

After moving to Michigan in his late teens, Gary sustained a life-altering injury in which he lost the use of his legs. Despite challenges, he never wanted this to define him. To honor Marcy, he wheeled eighteen miles in a March of Dimes fundraiser. He tried sky diving. He enjoyed hunting, He ended up in the local paper after getting a deer from his lawn tractor. (Yes, we’re serious). He was happiest outside.

Poppy, we will miss quiet mornings sipping coffee, sunny afternoons pruning roses, and evenings bundled up watching improbable science fiction. We will think of you in the smell of pine trees,  in the wind over the cat tails and with each sighting of the Blue Heron on the pond. We will feed the birds you so lovingly defended against the squirrels.

To those left behind, he will be best remembered for the little things- his desire for learning, sly humor, tinkering nature, deep faith, and great love of Nature.  

An open house Day of Remembrance will be held in the Spring at the Cota family home. He will be laid to rest at Kendall Cemetery in Pine Grove Township. A gravestone will be placed in the Spring.

While visiting Gary's webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory with the family.

The Cota family is being assisted by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 120 S. Woodhams St. Plainwell, MI 49080 (269-685-5881).