Remembering Kevin J. Cota, 1964-2018

Kevin J. Cota‘s family is sharing this remembrance with the community:

Kevin Jerome Cota

Began his journey February 4th, 1964 – Changed Paths July 12th, 2018

Kevin was born in Las Vegas, NV but called West Seattle home for most of his childhood and adult life. He moved to Alki to start his story. Kevin loved his experiences with his friends from West Seattle and Alki Elementary. If you knew Kevin from school, then either you are a teacher who had to get on him for his homework or a friend who remembers him for his warmth and joy.

He was a pressman at the Seattle Times for over 20 years and had an unbreakable bond with his friends and colleagues. Kevin loved his job and loved his colleagues more. He was always there to lend a hand when anyone was down; it was his mission to win everyone over and at least try to make a connection. He organized events to raise money for any colleague suffering from illness. If you knew him, then you know what a big heart he had.

Kevin’s strength was not in his muscles but in how big his heart was for everyone. He chose to look at each day of his life as a gift and offered love and kindness when someone was feeling down. Throughout his own battle with cancer, Kevin was often worried about the wellbeing of others in his life and reached out to comfort them.

He lost his fight with cancer July 12th, 2018, surrounded by people who love him dearly.

He is survived by his husband Bruce, sister Theresa, countless extended family and friends (Ron, Daniel, Cathi, Val and Mark, Bonnie, thank you! and many others), and his true love, his mutt Murphy J.

Kevin blessed us all with his kind heart, his easy laugh, and his infectious joy for music, scary movies, and the simple pleasures of hanging out with his beloved people. He made us better. He made us kinder. Though our hearts are broken, the memories and love Kevin gave to us are ours to keep.

Kevin wanted to extend a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Peter Shalit and the Oncology care team at Virginia Mason; Dr. Aboulafia, Dr. Beiter, Dr. Yao, Social workers and ALL of the supporting team. Kevin had an amazing team who tried everything, were generous with their compassion, and, best of all, gave him more time with us.

We will all be touched by cancer at some point, so please consider any size donation to Cancer Pathways (Formerly Gilda’s Club) or Virginia Mason Oncology department. He lived longer as a result of their care and love.

We love you, Kevin!

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

10 Replies to "Remembering Kevin J. Cota, 1964-2018"

  • justme August 2, 2018 (4:30 pm)

    Beautiful writing honoring a beautiful life. Thank you for sharing.

  • Franci August 2, 2018 (6:45 pm)

    Brucei am so sorry to hear of this.  You have been in my thoughts a lot recently.  My deepest condolences to you my friend!!  I am here for you if you need anything.

  • Steve August 2, 2018 (8:19 pm)

    I knew Kevin and Bruce when I worked at the Morgan st. Thriftway in the produce dept.  Two of the nicest people I’ve met.  Take care of yourself Bruce. Still don’t know if I returned your Simpsons episode on VHS…. Yes that’s how long ago I knew them.

  • Steve P August 2, 2018 (8:52 pm)

    Kevin and I were friends back in the ’80s, meeting through friends on Capital Hill.  I wish we could have reconnected…he was a great guy and I’m very sorry to hear of his passing.   Condolences to all of his family and friends.

  • Brian August 3, 2018 (10:15 am)

    I’ve known Kevin when he worked at the Seattle Times, and he was always caring about his co workers and his colleagues at other papers. I was so happy when he helped negotiate a very difficult contract in 2010 he had thoughtful and realistic opinions and helped communicate his fellow members views and to explain proposals in ways that could be understood and accepted. I also enjoyed music and he convinced me to get an iPod back in 2000, for that I’ll be grateful for his friendship. I’ll miss you dearly Kevin

  • Jim Fotter August 5, 2018 (8:13 am)

    This is a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man. I am a better person having known Kevin. Bruce, you are in my thoughts. Love,Jim & Jim

  • Kathy D August 5, 2018 (9:34 pm)

    Kevin left such a wonderful legacy of humor, love, and kindness that is a great example for all of us to follow.  As a coworker and friend there was no one better.  Missing my friend very much! ❤️❤️❤️

  • Kara August 7, 2018 (12:21 pm)

    I remember Kevin as a regular at the Southwest Library while I worked there, his smile was infectious and he was always so positive and upbeat. Sending love and light your way. 

  • Reade August 10, 2018 (3:44 pm)

    Kevin and Murphy still walk the hill up 104th everyday. I miss him now but know I’ll see him again. Stay strong Bruce; in time the grief of his passing will be overwhelmed by the joy and gratitude of having known him.

  • Judy August 10, 2018 (5:41 pm)

    Sending comforting thoughts to you, Bruce, at this very difficult time. Knowing what Kevin meant to you and knowing what a caring and tenderhearted person you are, I can only imagine how hard this must be for you. Take good care of yourself.

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