Ed Cottle died at his home on Lambert’s Cove Road on Nov. 9, leaving behind Betty, his wife of 67 years.

Ed was born to Lemira and Fred Cottle on March 15,1931. His father died when Ed was three years old. His mom moved him and his two sisters into a white farm-style house across from the Lambert’s Cove Beach. He was adventurous and all of Lambert’s Cove became his backyard. He knew all of his neighbors, becoming friendly with both the Islanders and the summer people.

He developed a passion for driving at a young age. If it had an engine and a steering wheel, he would figure out how to drive it. This skill and passion would serve him well as he went on to operate tractors, cranes, boats, forklifts, cars and trucks of all sizes. Early on in his career, he did farm work, land clearing, pond building, excavating and most anything else where heavy equipment was required.

He married Elizabeth Gale on Sept. 15, 1951 and started the lumberyard, E.C.Cottle, Inc., shortly thereafter. He worked tirelessly to make the lumberyard a very successful and well respected business. He appreciated his customers and his employees. He never forgot his humble beginnings and would often, very quietly, help a contractor or anyone else if he saw that they were struggling.

When he was not working, his favorite thing was to get together with his buddies and have a few beers. He also loved steaming his boat, Misty, out of Lake Tashmoo, cruising around and stopping off at the Elizabeth Islands, especially Pasque. He loved taking long weekend trips with Betty to the Maine coast or to North Conway. The two of them spent time in the Florida Keys where he would relax and enjoy himself.

He will be remembered for his hard work, his dedication and love for his family and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Jane Gale Baker. He will be missed by his wife, Elizabeth Gale Cottle, his children Jill Walpole, Ed Jr., Janet Johnson, Amy Look and Alan Cottle. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and his sister, Barbara Child.