John "Jack" Cottelit

John "Jack" Cottelit with is daughters at his side went to be with the Lord on December 23, 2022, at the age of 89. He was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan on July 11, 1933, to John and Irene Cottelit. He was pre-deceased by his wife (Donna); two brothers (Theodore and James); son-in-law (Paul Woodruff). He is survived by his sister, Arlene (George) Rogers of Brimley; daughters Joanne (Helmut) Umbrasas and Colleen Woodruff of Pickford; grandchildren Amanda (Michael)Fairchild of Drummond Island, Christopher Cottelit of Dafter, and Jessica Forbes of the Sault; eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. His family was very important to him, he took every opportunity to be involved with their activities. His grandchildren and then great grandchildren kept him young. He enjoyed spending time with them, teaching them new things and most of all sharing stories about the "good ole days." He was very proud of being on the Brimley Bays 1950 - 1951 State Championship Basketball team winning back-to-back championships. Never missing an opportunity to remind his great grandsons who were playing basketball at the time. He lived a simple life and enjoyed all that it had to offer. "Jack" of all trades may have been named for him, he had so many talents. He taught by example some very basic principles; you're only as good as your word; if you borrow something return it in better shape then when you got it; anything worth having is worth working for; and finally work smarter not harder. Besides his family, his greatest love was Hockey. His involvement with hockey spanned 50 plus years. He would coach a youth team and then a men's team the Dafter Flyers for several years. He rekindled his involvement by becoming an equipment manager for the Elks bantam team, given his ability to put an edge on pair of skates and fix anything it was a perfect fit. Most notably he was the Equipment Manager for the Sault Indians Jr. A team for its entire existence. During this time, he was selected as the Equipment Manger for the Team USA 17 Selects, truly a humbling experience. He loved spending time around those young men and trying to lend some guidance when the need arose. Jack had a huge heart, to know him was to love him, he touched the lives of many. Jack was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he is gone from this world, but he will live on in our hearts forever. A Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at Holy Family Catholic Church. Friends may call at the church from 12:00 noon until the time of the Mass. Burial will be at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in the spring of 2023.

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John "Jack" Cottelit

July 11, 1933 - December 23, 2022