Capt. Butch Cottrill
Waide Allen “Butch” Cottrill, 66, of Fort Myers, passed away on Aug. 24, 2011 at Hospice House after a courageous battle with cancer. A charter boat captain on Captiva Island for more than 30 years, he operated Wave Dancer Charters.
He loved boating, fishing, golden retrievers, Maine coon cats and classic cars. He was an avid reader who often finished a book a day.
Though he was tough as nails, he also had a soft side and took great pleasure in rescuing golden retrievers and growing orchids. His best friend once described him as “a puppy dog in a porcupine suit.”
He was a unique individual who knew how to spin a story, tell a good joke, and fix anything that broke. Some of his happiest days were spent on the water, teaching family and friends to fish and enjoy the beauty of Southwest Florida.
He is survived by his wife and soulmate, Cathy, of Fort Myers; brother Jim Cottrill (Joyce), of Columbus, Ohio; sister-in-law Betty Cottrill of Columbus; sister-in-law Judith Thompson of Naples; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Steve and Deborah Studybaker of Fort Myers; numerous nephews; lifelong friend Duane Swetland of Bradenton; golden retrievers Cassidy and Tanner; and four Maine coon cats.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Thelma Cottrill, and his brother, Ron.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Golden Retriever Rescue of Southwest Florida, P.O. Box 110987, Naples, FL 34108.
A burial at sea and celebration of his life will be held on Captiva Island at a later date for family and close friends.