ORRINGTON – Richard Paul Cotter, 65, died April 12, 2007, at a Bangor hospital. He was born Jan. 6, 1942, in Jacksonville, Fla., son of William Alfred and Louine Mercie (Spinney) Cotter. Richard attended Brewer High School. His deep love for music inspired him to form his own band, Dick Cotter and the Triumphs, who played in Bangor, Brewer, Waterville, Augusta and along the east coast of Maine. His career highlights included backing up groups such as Chubby Checker, Dion, Danny and the Juniors, Jay and the Americans and Johnny Tillotson. Richard was also a songwriter who wrote and recorded songs, Daydreams, Tar Terror, which was a number one hit in Canada, and Heartache and Sorrow. The family was especially blessed with his talent for music and the way in which he could turn any occasion into a fun filled event. He had been employed by Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Bangor; Viner’s Music Co., Bangor; and Crescent Lumber, Orrington. Richard was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and boating. He was a classic car enthusiast, sponsor and detail artist for stock car racing. Surviving, in addition to his parents, William and Louine Cotter of Orrington, are soul mate, Carol Crosby of Greenbush; two children, Richard P. Cotter Jr. of Augusta and Tracy L. Adkins and her husband, Win; one grandson, Mitchell G. Adkins, all of Honolulu; one brother, Wilfred C. Cotter of Brewer; two sisters, Dianne E. Levesque and her husband, Robert, of Winslow and Ellen M. Cotter of Brewer; a special aunt and uncle, John and Elizabeth Buckingham of Orrington; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. A memorial service will be held 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, with the Rev. Donald Booker, pastor of the Bradford United Baptist Church, officiating. Friends may call 3 p.m. Tuesday until time of service at the funeral home. Interment will be later in the spring at Dean Hill Cemetery, Orrington. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments after the service at Brookings-Smith Family Center, 163 Center St., Bangor. Those who wish may make gifts in Richard’s memory to the Children’s Miracle Network, care of Eastern Maine Charities, P.O. Box 404, Bangor, ME 04402-0404. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com
RICHARD PAUL COTTER
