Elmer "Cotton" Perrigan

Elmer Clayton Perrigan (“Cotton” known by most) 76 years old went to the great golf course in heaven to play his favorite game for eternity on August 4, 2018. After a 21 month long battle with a nefarious criminal named Lung Cancer, who has plagued our society for far too long.

He is the 6th child born to John and Pearlee Perrigan (deceased), in Dickenson County, Virginia on September 30th, 1941. He is proceeded in death by his other siblings; Bill Perrigan, Frank Perrigan, Kin Perrigan, Thomas Perrigan, Curtis Perrigan, Darrell Perrigan.

He is survived by brothers and sisters, Cecil (Betty) Perrigan, Estil (Linda) Perrigan, Allen (Sue) Perrigan, Janice (Jack) Hart, Harold (Barb) Perrigan, Toni (Scott) Peirce, and Nan Perrigan

Elmer is survived by and will be immeasurably missed by his loving wife of 56 years, Agnes. His daughter, Frances (Andy) Sosa, His son, John Perrigan, his grandchildren, Michelle (Jacob) Ohse and Kristopher Sosa.

Elmer left the mountains of Virginia and came to Detroit, Michigan in 1959 where he began work as an orderly at Grace Hospital. This is where he met the love of his life, Agnes. They married August 26th, 1961, they soon started a family, Fran came along in 1963 and John in 1966. Now a family man, Elmer moved on to being a Locksmith where he became a Master craftsman of his trade. In the early 70’s needing a change of pace, he switched gears and moved into the automotive industry and became a Spot Welder for Chrysler Corporation.

Fast forward to 1975, Elmer and Agnes made a life-changing decision. They packed up and moved from Detroit to Holland, Michigan to give their children a better life. That same year Elmer started working at Hart & Cooley where he worked for over 13 years. This is the place he met his lifetime golfing buddy, Mike Bush. In the summer they played at Elmer’s favorite course, West Ottawa Golf course.

Elmer’s passion for golf was unsurpassed by his love for Camaro’s, Butterscotch Pudding, Bluegrass music, the Banjo, Casino’s and his devotion to his family.

In 1986 Elmer switched gears one last time, he went back his Locksmithing roots. Elmer was the #1 Locksmith at Keppel’s Lock and Safe where he helped so many people and businesses in our community for over 20 years, before retiring in 2006. Everybody knew Cotton as “Willie Nelson” he had long hair and wore that famous bandana, and he played the part well; he was a rebel in his own right too!

His big, generous, charismatic, sarcastic, impatient, “tell it like it is” heart will be terribly missed by all who knew him but his strength, integrity, positive, champion attitude will forever live on in us all.

A celebration of Elmer “Cotton’s” life will be held at Restlawn Memorial Gardens Chapel, 994 Paw Paw Dr, Holland, MI 49423 on Saturday, August 11, 2018, at 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers please consider memorial contributions to Hospice of Holland or The American Cancer Society.