Ross R. Cotton

Ross Raymond Cotton of Barrie, Ontario passed away on September 4th, surrounded by his loving family. Born on September 28th, 1951, in Scarborough Ontario, to the late Verna Olive (Bonnie), (née Thompson) and Oliver Ralph Cotton, Ross lived a life marked by his strong faith in Jesus Christ, love of family, kindness, hard work, and adventure.

Ross was a Registered Professional Planner for 40+ years both in the Municipal world and private practice. Ross was a Lifetime member of the Ontario Professional Planner Institute (awarded 2021) and a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners, having graduated from Ryerson University with a Bachelor of Planning in 1975 and Queens University with a Masters of Urban and Regional Planning.

He cherished nature, being an avid golfer (camper, canoer and skier in his younger days). Known for his quick wit and warm heart, he loved to tell a good joke and story, always placing others before himself. He was deeply admired by all who knew him.

Ross was first married to Jeannette Patricia Cotton (nee Freeman), with whom he shared 25 years of marriage and raised two children: Rebecca Street (Steve) and Bram Cotton (Justine). He was a very proud and loving grandfather to seven grandchildren: Gillian, Jacob, Julia, Celia, Grace, Colin and Annabel who brought him great joy.

Ross found love again and married Barbara Wilson in 2006, with whom he shared a warm and supportive partnership for 14 years but passed unexpectedly in 2020.

He is survived by his two children; seven grandchildren; and his sister Mary, predeceased by his parents and brother Gary and sister-in-law Pauline. He will be greatly missed by in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the paramedics and ICU staff at RVH for their care and compassion.

Memorial visitation will take place at Legacy Funeral Home, 55 Cedar Point Drive Barrie (Parking and entrance on HWY 400 side of building) on Friday, September 19th, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 374 Salem Road, Barrie on Saturday September 20th at 11:00 a.m. followed by internment at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Camp Cherith Ontario would be appreciated by the family.

Ross will be remembered for his steady presence, generous spirit, and the deep love he held for his family.