Obituary of Derrick Allan Cotterill

Captain Derrick Cotterill  

Known to his friends as “Cotty”

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Derrick Cotterill at the age of 66, in the arms of his loving wife. He fought a difficult battle with bravery and courage. 

Derrick was born in Scarborough to Harold (deceased) and Mary (deceased) Cotterill in 1957. He attended Adam Beck Junior Public School and Glen Ames Senior Public School in Toronto, and graduated from Stouffville District High School where he met many lifelong friends and the love of his life, Jane. The high school sweethearts married in 1979 and together raised three children, Mark, Hayley and Meghan. 

Derrick was proud to start his career as a firefighter in 1981 with Scarborough Fire Dept. prior to amalgamation, and rose to the rank of captain in 2006 with the Toronto Fire Service. Awarded the Exemplary Service Medal (2006), received the First Bar in 2012 and many other service awards. He was selected to be a part of the Toronto HUSAR team (2004) and was a valued player on the Scarborough Fire hockey team for many years. Derrick loyally devoted 41 years of service and was well loved and respected by all.

He will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Jane (nee Mosley); His children, Hayley Lumsden (Jesse), Meghan Cotterill (Henrik), and predeceased by his son, Mark Cotterill. Known as “Papa” to his seven grandchildren - Lucy, Josie, Harrison, Betty, Lottie, Max and Felix. They will miss him cheering them on at their sports games, as he was their biggest fan. 

Derrick the youngest of 8 siblings is survived by Shirley Austin (Doug), Hilda Harris (Don), Delores Doran (Jim), Barbara Smith (Phil), Harold Cotterill (Glenna) and predeceased by Frances McKenzie and Lillian Bichener (Fred).  Lovingly remembered by Kevin Laffan, Betty Mosley and many more extended family, friends and colleagues.

Derrick was the life of the party and had a smile that would light up the room. He was easy to talk to and made everyone feel important. He was kind and patient, and enjoyed a life full of adventure and travel. 

A natural athlete with a competitive spirit, who excelled and was up for any challenge. Derrick’s passion was hockey, a talented player, his dedication and determination to play the game was evident at a young age when he took it upon himself to walk to the arena for games and practices with his equipment on his back. In the 1990’s, together with friends and neighbours he organized a recreational hockey league in Markham, that is ongoing today. An avid hockey fan looking forward to the Leafs winning the Stanley Cup, and had faith this would be the year.

Derrick will be greatly missed by all.  We know his spirit will live on within everyone he knew and loved. “But nothing that can be said can begin to take away the anguish and the pain of these moments. Grief is the price we pay for love.”

We will meet again.

Friends and family will be received at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 143 Main Street N (Markham), Markham ON, on Thursday April 20, 2023 from 11:30 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations made to  Wounded Warriors would be appreciated by the family.

Funeral Livestream

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