From the beginning, Patrick was a man of the world. He was born on October 2, 1949 in Les Islettes, a small village in the Verdun region of France. His parents, Jeanette and Charles Cotter, took the family to the Ivory Coast, Senegal, and the Congo where Patrick spent many of his early years. The Cotters found Wilson Point, CT in the mid 1950’s, where they resided between periods abroad and would eventually establish their roots.
He graduated high school in The Hague, Netherlands. That summer, he met his future wife, Madeleine Solberg. He graduated Boston University, where he found his interest in international marketing and was a collegiate rower.
At 25, his career in international logistics and marketing began at Hoechst AG, in Germany. There, he reconnected with Madeleine and they would marry 6 months later. Over the next 43 years, they raised two children, Alexander and Andrew, and continued a career in international logistics that would take the family to Europe and the US before finishing in China. In 2009, Patrick and Madeleine retired to Connecticut to be close to family and help care for his mother.
Patrick had a great passion for fast cars and big motorcycles that never ebbed. He enjoyed the outdoors, sailing, and was an avid skier. Most of all, he was devoted to his friends and family – tirelessly maintaining those bonds across continents and generations.
Patrick is survived by his wife, Madeleine; two sons, Alexander (and wife Olivia) and Andrew (and wife Emily); his brother, John (and wife Helmi); his nephew, Geoffrey; his granddaughter, Pia, and many other extended family around the world. He leaves an even greater legacy of the many friends and family members he gave his time, counsel, and support throughout his life who will carry his memory forward.
A Memorial Service will be held at the United Church of Rowayton, CT on December 17, 2018 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.
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