Darwin W. Cottle

Darwin W. Cottle, our beloved husband, father, step-father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on March 5, 2022 following a lengthy and valiant battle with cancer. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant!"

Darwin was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1938, to Charles Edward and Jessie Irene Wilkins Cottle in Brigham City, Utah. He spent his earliest years in areas surrounding Malad, Idaho where he experienced family farm life and attended Idaho Public School #24 and Malad Elementary School. He later moved with his family to Salt Lake City, Utah and graduated from West High School where he excelled as a member of the basketball team. He was selected in 1957 as an "All-State Basketball Player." He went on to play college basketball and continued playing recreational basketball well into his 50's. Darwin loved all sports and his proudest achievement was completing the 26-mile St. George Marathon at the age of 49. He enjoyed hunting, camping, and many outdoor activities with family over the years. He was also a proud veteran of the Utah National Guard, where he served his country and state with distinction for several years.

Darwin was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and had a devout testimony of the gospel. He maintained a close relationship with his Savior throughout his life. Darwin's love language was service and his "super power" was making those around him feel loved. He served in several bishoprics, on high councils, and in many other leadership callings, but his favorite time was spent with the youth and in the scouting program. He was extremely proud that all five of his sons are Eagle Scouts. He also served as a worker in both the Mt. Timpanogos and the Oquirrh Mountain Temples.

Darwin married Ethel Gwen Linnebach on January 14, 1960 and they were later sealed for eternity in the St. George Temple on March 18, 1961. Darwin and Gwen raised their beautiful family of eight children in Cedar City, Orem, and later Pleasant Grove, Utah. They were married for 44 years before Gwen passed away from cancer on June 27, 2004. Darwin was her loving caregiver for several years before her passing. Darwin later met Cheryl Jensen Peacock in a grief support group where they first became good friends united by a common loss. Darwin and Cheryl were married on April 7, 2006. They made their final home together in Taylorsville, Utah. They were devoted to one another and lovingly honored both their late spouses and their blended families. Darwin cherished Cheryl's children and grandchildren as his own and she did likewise. They were able to find much joy and happiness in their journey together over the past 16 years.

Darwin worked successfully for many years in the sales industry and was later employed as a supervisor at the Utah State Developmental Center, where he eventually retired in 2005.

Darwin was happiest when giving service and his greatest challenge during recent years was having to give up his role as a caregiver and be on the receiving end of needed service. His family was honored to repay his lifetime of service in this small way. Even as he was physically failing, his spirit of love and concern for others remained strong.

Darwin's greatest love and source of happiness was his family. His legacy will certainly live on here through his wonderful posterity. He loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren deeply and was extremely proud of each of them. He was thrilled that many of his children and grandchildren unselfishly elected to serve church missions and in the U.S. Military. Darwin's other great love was basketball, and he was a devoted Utah Jazz and BYU fan. He rarely missed seeing a game and loved to discuss stats or recount plays with anyone who would listen. If there is basketball in heaven, we know Darwin will be playing in the All-Star game there. He will remain our family's "All-Star" forever!

We extend deep gratitude to all who have assisted in caring for Darwin over the years. His life was extended many times as result of outstanding medical care and expertise. Your kindness will never be forgotten. We will dearly miss our "darlin' Darwin," but also rejoice in the knowledge that he is now enjoying heavenly reunions with many loved ones and is reaping his well-deserved eternal reward. We look forward to being with him again someday. Families are forever!

Darwin is survived by his dear wife Cheryl; his loving children: Pamela (Todd) Robinson, Craig (Jana) Cottle, Angela Baker, David (Sharla) Cottle, Jeffrey (Camille) Cottle, Marci Smith, Nathan (Sara) Cottle, and Darrin Cottle; his cherished step-chidren: Corey (Heather) Preece, Nikki (Jared) Garza, Christopher (Rachel) Preece, Cara (Jeremy) Gregersen, Brooke (Ethan) Wehrli, Mindy (Shane) Gurley, and Denny (Natalie) Peacock. He is also survived by 54 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren; along with his siblings: Lamonte Cottle, Irene Clow, Ron (Lois) Cottle, and Alan (Cathy) Cottle. In addition, Darwin is survived by loving in-laws and members of his Linnebach and Jensen families, all of whom he truly adored.

Darwin was preceded in death by his beloved parents and grandparents, his eternal wife Gwen, brother A. Kay Cottle, son-in-law Sterling Goodwin, granddaughter Lindsey Robinson Karr, sister-in-law LaRae Cottle, and brother-in-law Dick Clow.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Westbrook Church, 6364 South 3200 West in West Jordan, Utah, with a viewing held prior to the service from 9:30 - 10:45 a.m. A viewing will also be held at the Westbrook Church on Friday evening, March 11th, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Interment will be in the Lindon City Cemetery, 600 North 200 East in Lindon, Utah.

Following is the Zoom link for the funeral services:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/3810660842 .