Peter F. Cotter

62-Sydney

It is with great sorrow and heavy hearts that we, the family of James Peter Francis Cotter, announce his tragic passing on August 17, 2010 at the QEII Hospital, Halifax.

Born in Sydney, March 19, 1948, Peter grew up on Howe Street in Ashby and continued to live in his family home. He was predeceased by his father Aubrey Cotter, mother Sarah (MacSween) Cotter, brother Gerald Cotter, and Uncle Fr. Joe Cotter, among other aunts, uncles and cousins. Peter is survived by his loving wife Elaine (Rose) Cotter and faithful pussycats Dolly-Wiggles and Daisy-Mae. He is also survived by a multitude of friends who knew they could always depend on Peter’s loyalty and support in both good times and bad.

Peter started his media career at CGIO radio, Port Hawkesbury, in the late 70’s and went on to work in Charlottetown with CFCY radio. But the Island was always calling him home, so he returned to CB to work as a newsman with CJCB radio and later with CHER radio in Sydney. A career change to print media took place when Peter worked as an editor with the Cape Breton Post from the mid 90’s until 2008. Most recently, he enjoyed his employment with Sun Oracle in Sydney and took great pleasure informing Elaine daily about his interesting and collegial coworkers who made him feel very welcome, even if he was the old guy on the block.

Peter was an avid drummer and lover of music, from jazz and blues to rock and country. Over the years, he played with several bands of different genres. He and Elaine enjoyed hosting friends in their home; these visits always involved great food and drink and often a basement jam session with a host of talented musicians. For several years, Peter was a member of the cape Breton Jazz Society. We know he will be jazzing it up in heaven with his musician friends who have passed before him.

Other interests included volunteering with Canadian Blood Services, being a former dedicated board member of a Nova Scotia mental health self-help organization, biking, swimming, walking, reading, history, current affairs and world and local issues.

In celebration of Peter’s life, visitation will take place Friday from 2-4pm and 7-9pm in T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel, 755 George Street, Sydney. Funeral mass will be held Saturday at 10am in St. Theresa’s Church, Whitney Avenue, Sydney with Father Jim Oliver officiating. Interment to follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.

The family requests donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada and the performance of “random acts of kindness” in Peter’s memory

“Peter, we love you. We miss you. Your drums will beat on in our hearts until we meet again”