Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Gary Cotton Obituary
It is with deepest sorrow we announce the passing of Gary Alan Cotton, who died Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the age of 67, in his home on Cat Island, Bahamas.
Gary was born February 12, 1958, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Jack and Elaine Cotton, the youngest of four siblings. As a child, he combined his natural affinities toward entrepreneurship and animal husbandry by raising and selling pocket pets door to door through the neighborhood. He chose a career path in veterinary medicine and opened and managed multiple veterinary hospitals in the Northwestern Ohio area. He also started Best Breed Pet Foods 31 years ago to provide a healthy diet for his animal patients.
He was a loving husband to Toni for 32 years; father to Cassie and husband Andy; Casey and wife Melinda; Kyle and wife Lauren; grandfather (Graham Cracker) to Lydia, Hannah, Titus, and Elizabeth; brother to Debbie, Pam, and Joel.
He devoted his life to his family and veterinary medicine, always finding a way to encourage a smile during stressful situations. He enjoyed learning and loved playing baseball and ping pong. Most afternoons, he could easily be found in his shop tinkering on a project or his Kubota tractor. He never missed a sunrise and always started the day with a coffee accompanied by world news or his pen and an imaginative story. He also expressed his ingenuity through glass artistry, gardening, inventing, and problem-solving, from which he was lovingly referred to as Mr. "Fix it." He and his wife, Toni Anita Cotton, traveled the world together on horseback, creating beautiful memories and touching the lives of everyone they met. He will be incredibly missed and never forgotten.
Donations to Davis Phinney Foundation to support individuals with Parkinson's would be greatly appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Cotton
Marsha Hobert
June 21, 2025
I just found out about Gary´s passing, and am so very sorry to hear!! Our hearts and thoughts are with you on his passing!!!
Lee ann shackelford
May 28, 2025
I remember going to Salem united methodist church with him and his family and attending a church bbq at there house and swimming with the kids and seeing the alpacas and learning all about them. He was a good man and will be missed.
Dan Shook
May 26, 2025
I´ve been in touch with Dr. Gary and Toni since we first explored the idea of purchasing one of his clinics. I always enjoyed speaking or writing back-and-forth over these years. The talent they both have in the veterinary industry, was only exceeded by his common sense and hands-on ingenuity. He displayed throughout his life. I especially enjoyed his recent stories that were published during the last few months on his Facebook account. They really were a reflection of his life and so very well told in detail. Our family is thinking of you, Toni as well as your entire extended family. We all will miss him but he no doubt is serving and solving problems in higher places.
Linda Scott
May 26, 2025
Dr. Gary was not just our vet but a true friend to us. His skills as a vet and surgeon were phenomenal. Dr. Toni our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sue Kinn
May 25, 2025
Don't know this gentleman, but it was life well lived..rest in peace
Jorge L. Rosario-Paris DVM
May 24, 2025
Dr. Gary was an amazing mentor. He and Dr. Toni changed my life as they got me plenty of opportunities to learn and gain experience and grow into the practitioner that I am today. It was already almost 26 years ago that started working for Dr. Gary and Dr. Toni at The Animal Medical Center here in Findlay. Dr. Gary was an amazing surgeon and I loved how he would want to work on anything any case no matter how complex. He teached me a lot. I will never forget him. My condolences to Dr. Toni. You and your family are in my prayers.
Karen Starbuck Dunlap
May 23, 2025
So sorry to hear of Gary´s passing. Much love to the whole family.
Suzette and Rick Owen
May 23, 2025
We are so very sorry to learn of the passing of Gary. We enjoyed many conversations with him and his love of alpacas and camels. Toni, you are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of mourning May Gary be in the safety of Christ joyfully awaiting a heavenly reunion with his beloved family.
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in Gary Cotton's name
Memorial Events
for Gary Cotton
How to support Gary's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Gary Cotton's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
