Alvin M. Cota “Al”

Alvin M. Cota “Al” passed away on Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, at 4:15 p.m. at St. Peter’s hospital in Olympia, Washington.

Alvin M. Cota “Al” passed away on Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, at 4:15 p.m. at St. Peter’s hospital in Olympia, Washington. Al was born in Aberdeen, Washington, on July 8, 1940, to Elsie E. Johnson Cota and Jack W. Cota. In Al’s first years, they lived in Bandon, Oregon, before moving to Hoquiam, Washington, and finally settling in Elma, Washington. Al worked as a young man to earn money by picking berries or running paper routes. Al married Judy Jacobus on Jan. 20, 1961. Al loved racing motorcycles and in 1962, he joined the Shelton Trailblazers Motorcycle Club. He worked several years at Elma Plywood as a lathe operator and green end foreman, In 1969, Alvin moved to Tacoma, Washington, where he took a job with Lilyblad Petroleum as a shell jobber, driving a tanker truck and hauling petroleum products all over the Pacific Northwest and Canada. In 1978, Al and his family moved back to Elma, where they bought The Haus Of Hair. He was employed at various mills between shut-downs before finally landing his career job with Washington State Department of Transportation as a member of the Highway Maintenance staff in 1979. He retired from the D.O.T. in 2003 with 24 years. He was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, lodge 1210 in Montesano, Washington, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles 1440, in Elma, Washington.

Al and his wife enjoyed camping and traveling. Their favorite travel spots were Palm Springs and Hawaii, and they even went as far as Puerto Rico. He loved watching his grandkids in their sports and activities when able, including Irish dance recitals. He loved animals, namely his dogs Teddy Bear, Maddie and Carmella. In his younger days, Al liked to hunt and fish, although more recently, he loved to go on clam digs. He had a great sense of humor and loved to tease and play practical jokes. He loved watching the Seahawks.

He is survived by his wife Judy at the family home (with whom they would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary this month), their daughters: Suzie (Matt) Morrison, Yvonne (Rick) Zimmerman, their grandchildren: Zane, Sierra, Seth, Ricky and Ariel, and his sister Nancy. He loved spending time with family and friends, and had a special relationship with Judy’s brother and sister, Jim Jacobus and Janet Lee Ross “Sissy”.

A memorial is planned for Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, at the Elma Eagles, and a guest book can be signed at www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com. In lieu of gifts, please donate to Paws of Grays Harbor (800 W. 1st st. Aberdeen, WA 98520) in Al Cota’s name. Arrangements are entrusted to Harrison Family Mortuary of Montesano.