Rob was born to Richard Thomas and Joan (Downam) Cotton on January 31, 1968, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He attended High School in Monterrey, Mexico where he became fluent in Spanish, and made many life-long friends. He moved back to Michigan to continue his education at Eastern Michigan University, graduating with a BS in Science, and it was in Ann Arbor where he met his wife of 30 years, Lisa Sucharski. They settled in Ann Arbor enjoying a multitude of outdoor activities together and caring for their beloved dogs.
Although Rob was passionate about his career as a design engineer at Ford Motor Company, his biggest joy was being with his family, close friends, and multiple Jack Russells who were special members of the family. He had many interests and pursued them all - he was good at everything he tried! He spent over a decade doing competitive mountain bike racing, enjoyed snowboarding, skiing, and hunting. He was also a talented guitarist, and loved racing sport cars, traveling and the outdoors. No matter how good he was at these activities, he always remained humble and complimented others on their successes.
In 2016, Rob’s life changed drastically when he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS.) During his 6 years of living with his illness, Rob exemplified to his friends and family the importance of living a joyful life with purpose and meaning regardless of obstacles. During the early stages of his illness, Rob dedicated his time as a participant in several research studies with the ALS Clinic at the University of Michigan. When Rob could no longer play the guitar, he would bird watch from his patio or play euchre with his close group of friends. Once he was unable to walk, Rob would ride around the neighborhood in his wheelchair, and even used specifically modified equipment to participate in adapted snow skiing. When Rob could no longer travel, he took pleasure in watching travel shows and listening to the adventures of others. When the disease took away his ability to eat, he watched shows highlighting gourmet food, and smelled the scents of home cooked meals through his breathing machine. As Rob started to lose his voice, it prompted him to use assistive technology to allow him to stay connected with his dear friends and family. Rob gave everyone who knew him when he was ill the gift of showing us how to find joy in life, even as it was slipping away from him. He kept his sharp wit, sense of humor, and intelligence right up until his last days. He was a dear and special human being, with so many talents and such a love for life.
Rob is survived by his wife of 30 years Lisa, mother Joan Cotton, siblings David Cotton (Kathy), Carrie Jackson (Phillip), Clayton Cotton (Bettina), mother-in-law Lucille Sucharski, brothers-in-law Ken Sucharski, Frank Sucharski (Debbie), sister-in-law Carolyn Carl (Michael), 6 nieces, 8 nephews, 6 great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Richard Thomas Cotton, father-in-law Henry Sucharski, sister-in-law Anne Sucharski, and nephew Nolan Sucharski. Rob leaves behind many special friends and caregivers that supported him throughout his disease progression.
In lieu of flowers, Rob and Lisa request donations be made in his memory to Active Against ALS (https://www.activeagainstals.org) or The University of Michigan ALS Center of Excellence - https://vimeo.com/350781605/a1f264d6a5.
Rob’s family will hold a Celebration of Life at 11:00 am on Rob’s birthday, Tuesday January 31, 2023 at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 S 4th Ave, Ann Arbor MI 48104. Rob’s family will receive friends beginning at 9:30 am until the time of service.
To view the live stream of Robert's service please click on the following link https://youtube.com/live/KGhEFoqjlNw?feature=share
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