Michael Bruce Cottrell

Michael Bruce Cottrell, 60, passed away on September 28, 2026. Born on December 13, 1965, Michael was a man whose steady presence, honest nature, and kind heart left a lasting impression on those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Born in Fort Collins, Colorado, Michael spent his early years in Denver before moving to Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1979. He later moved to Steamboat Springs and Clark, Colorado, a place he called home and where he lived some of the happiest years of his life. He spent the last 3 years living in Colorado Springs with family.

Michael was known for being hard-working and skilled with his hands, bringing care and precision to everything he did. Over the years, he built a life of practical mastery and dependable effort as a skilled finish carpenter, auto mechanic, camp chef for hunting, fishing, and camping outfitters, and a skilled chef in his everyday life. Not only did he enjoy making food, in his earlier years he enjoyed eating it too with his “happy dance” while enjoying his meals. In every role, he was approachable and steady, someone others could count on for both knowledge and straightforward honesty.

A compassionate and loyal man, Michael held his family close and lived by the values that mattered most to him: honor family and family first. He is preceded in death by his parents Bruce Cottrell and Patricia Legrand, his stepmother Skye Stevens and his aunt Joan Kelly. He is survived by his siblings Denise Boston, Debbie Cottrell (husband Warren), David Cottrell (wife Dani), Dakota Cottrell, and Tucker Cottrell; nieces and nephews Brandi May (husband Rusty), Dustin Boston, Skye Cottrell, and Aiden Cottrell; great nieces and nephew Hollyann May, Michelle Wilbourn, Kaitlin May, and Dustin Boston Jr.; and many beloved cousins.

Michael’s love of the outdoors was more than a pastime—it was part of who he was. An avid outdoorsman, he found joy in fishing, hunting, camping, motorcycles, and outdoor recreation. He also loved hot rod cars and Mopars, and he brought the same enthusiasm and good humor to friendly competitions as a skilled and avid washers player at The Washers Club in Hahns Peak, Colorado. Wherever he was, Michael had a way of making people feel at ease, often with his quick wit and light-hearted personality. Friends and family will always remember his good-hearted, sometimes inappropriate, joking ways and the ability to lift everyone’s spirits.

In his community, Michael was a “Routt County Militia Club” Member. He will be remembered not only for what he could build or fix, but for the warmth he brought into everyday moments—through loyalty, kindness, and a humor that helped carry others through.

Special thanks to all of his Routt County friends that he considered his second family.