Obituary of William Edward Cottage

COTTAGE, William

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of William Edward Cottage on Sunday November 10th at Mount Sinai Hospital, at the age of 76, with many of his family members by his side. Survived by his wife, Diane and his four children: Lewis (Katrin), Dean (Mandy), Heather and Tracy (Mike), and seven grandchildren: Hayleigh, Jacob,  William, Garret, Alyssa, Alexis and Geordan. Bill is pre-deceased by his son Douglas Stanley and granddaughter Christina Ellen. Bill was diagnosed January 30th with a rare cancer which was treated by radiation in July and surgery on August 29th. Surgery was deemed a success but recovery became difficult due to post op complications. Diane was by his side each step of the way, and her presence was invaluable to Bill’s well-being. Bill was unable to regain his health and passed away on November 10th.

Bill was born on the farm, Queenamuckle, in Orkney, in the north of Scotland and was the eldest of eight children. Bill moved to Canada with his lovely bride Diane in 1965. Bill and Diane could not have imagined the life they would lead in their new country. Bill was a successful carpenter spanning decades, with service to the North York Board of Education of over 30 years. In this time he settled his large family on Harold Avenue in Stouffville, completing major house renovations to accommodate everyone including many Foster Children. He was then able to retire and spend 20 years with his loving and always supportive wife of 54 years, Diane.

Family and friends will be received at Dixon Garland funeral home 166 Main Street N in Markham on Monday November 18th 7-9pm, and Tuesday November 19th 10-11am with Funeral to follow at 11am. Bill would wish for donations to be made to Sick Kids Hospital, in lieu of flowers.