Kevin Montgomery Cotton

He grew up in Honolulu during the 1960s and ‘70s, first in a small apartment near Waikiki, then in a quiet valley on the other side of Diamond Head. He and his brothers, Kurt and Kent, spent weekends at Queen’s Surf Beach—snorkeling, riding paipo boards, and body surfing the shore break. They’d pile into the old family Peugeot with longboards in the back, stop for Kentucky Fried Chicken, and spend the day in the water.

He went to church on Sundays at the Makiki branch of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. That’s where he made most of his close friends growing up. The church took him on trips to the outer islands where they camped on the beach or back in the mountains. They brought Hawaiian slings to catch fish, built shelters out of rocks, and cooked what they caught. He liked sleeping outside more than in tents—usually close to the fire or wherever it was quiet.

As a teenager, Kevin spent long days at Sandy Beach, hitchhiking out with his brothers or friends and catching rides in the backs of pickup trucks. He was proud to be one of the Sandy Beach Boys—respected by the lifeguards and local surfers who knew the water as well as he did.

Kevin graduated from Kalani High School in 1979 and joined the United States Marine Corps in 1981. He later transitioned to the Marine Corps Reserves and earned the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. He went on to earn both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business Administration from National University. He then began a 40-year career in the semiconductor industry, working his way up from the factory floor to operations leadership. He was proud of the work he built and the life he shared with his family.

He married Karen, and they were together for 40 years. They raised two sons, Scott and Jeff. The family made memories on horseback rides, fishing trips to Mexico with the Gates and Johnson families, and weekends at youth sports fields. Kevin coached football and baseball and was always around to help out. He loved traveling—especially to Ireland, Scotland, and back to Hawaii as often as he could. His favorite place to fish was Lake Sabrina, near Bishop, California. He would take his boys there and they’d spend the weekend fishing on the lake.

He was a longtime member of Vista Palomar Riders and enjoyed the quiet routine of walking, riding, fishing, and spending time with the people he cared about. He had a way of drawing people in—whether he was telling one of his long, winding stories or cracking a joke that took a second to land.

He is preceded in death by his father, Arthur Cotton. He is survived by his wife, Karen; his sons, Scott (Amy) and Jeff (Kristin); grandchildren Myles, Harper, and Max; his brothers, Kurt and Kent; and his mother, Marilyn Cotton—affectionately known as “Tutu.”

The family thanks the doctors, nurses, friends, and loved ones who supported Kevin in his final days. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Kevin’s memory. Your support, thoughts, and shared memories are deeply appreciated.

Kevin’s life was shaped by beach days, quiet mornings, hard work, and looking out for the people around him. He’ll be missed deeply and remembered with love.