Wendell Cote
June 30, 1953 – November 1, 2021
Wendell James Cote was born on June 30, 1953, in Roseau, Minnesota, and passed away on November 1, 2021, in Dryden, Ontario at the age of 68. Wendell was raised with his sisters Lydia, Lynn, Cindy, and brothers Kerry and Randy in Vassar, Manitoba by his parents James and Louise. After Wendell graduated from trade school for heavy duty mechanics, he joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1971. He set sail from Halifax, Nova Scotia, and travelled the world for the next three years. He got to see many places including Australia and the Philippines.
When Wendell returned to Vassar, he met the love of his life, Rachel. They were wed on June 25, 1977 and stayed in New Brunswick for a short period of time. The two of them built a life together in Ignace, Ontario with their children Jamie, Tony (Tracy), and Jody (Ryan). Wendell and Rachel operated their own business, W&R Cote Logging. They worked together as a team and there was no job they couldn’t tackle together. When they weren’t working, Wendell and Rachel took the kids out to explore nearby lakes and landmarks. They shared 44 wonderful years of marriage. Their love continues to live on through their grandchildren Tristen (Jade), Caleb, Kaitlyn, Trinity, Jase, and Remi. Wendell was diagnosed with COPD in 2008, but he never let it slow him down.
Wendell and Rachel bought a Winnebago and travelled the United States and Canada visiting their children, grandchildren, and friends. Wendell took up wood carving and was extremely talented. Each of the grandchildren had pieces specially made for them. Wendell loved to travel, and he and Rachel took their children, grandchildren, and Billy on many memorable family trips.
He was an avid hunter, camper, loved fishing and the outdoors. Nothing was more important to Wendell than spending time with his family. We will forever remember and miss his kindness, wisdom, sense of adventure and humor, and his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone.
Wendell was predeceased by his father James and sister Lydia.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dryden Regional Health Centre Pulmonary Rehabilitation through the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3
Condolences may be posted at www.dcfh.ca
