John Leslie George Cotton (2 Jan 1942 - 21 Jul 2025)
Donate in memory of
John Leslie George
RNLI - Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Dover
£1,300.00
+ Gift Aid of £302.50
In partnership with
Funeral Director
In loving memory of John Leslie George Cotton who sadly passed away on 21st July 2025
Born in Penrith due to the war, John returned with his parents to his home town of Dover when he was 3, where he has since lived for most of his life. After retirement he became a Dover Greeter and was proud to tell people about the amazing history of Dover and particularly loved showing visitors around the Maison Dieu. For many years he also volunteered at The Roman Painted House.
After leaving school he joined the Merchant Navy and trained at Reardon Smith Nautical College in Wales. From 1959 he worked as a deck officer with a variety of shipping companies on general cargo boats, which took him across the world, reinforcing his love of the sea. John married Colette in 1972 and whilst working with Reardon Smith, she was able to join him on board for some amazing world adventures. The family then grew with the addition of Graham, Jo and James and a move to the present house in St Margaret’s Bay. Walking trips to the Lake District, holidays in France and driving miles to watch his 3 children in their sports, covered the next few years. Weddings followed and John enjoyed the arrival of the 4 grandchildren, with whom he loved to play board games.
A James Bond theme for his 80th Birthday with his family was a highlight in his last few years.
donated £30 in memory of John
In memory of John from Nicki and James
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donated in memory of John
In memory of a friend and fellow mariner.
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donated £50 in memory of John
Sorry I couldn't be there to see you off John, my most sincere condolences to your family.
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donated £50 in memory of John
Dad you’ll be greatly missed, all my love Jo xxxx
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donated £50 in memory of John
With warm and happy memories of family life and special times. Thank you, John, you will be missed.
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donated £50 in memory of John
In memory of John
Sending love to Colette & Family xx
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donated £20 in memory of John
Condolences and hugs to all the family
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donated £20 in memory of John
In memory of John, my best friends Dad xx
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donated £20 in memory of John
Deepest condolences!
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donated in memory of John
With happy memories of days gone by, especially those from our school days and those of Christmases at 187 and 21 with all the family.
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donated £50 in memory of John
In loving memory of John who was so welcoming to me into his family.
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donated £20 in memory of John
Worked with John 2004-2009, wonderful man, a funny and great colleague. RIP John
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is attending the funeral
donated £50 in memory of John
John, thank you for being a wonderful father in law. Your curiosity to learn more about me and my culture, meant so much to me. You welcomed me and made me feel part of the family straight away. I enjoyed our conversations learning more about your travels. You will be missed by all.xx
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donated in memory of John
In memory of John and all the happy times our families shared in days gone by with love from The Bedford Mote family
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donated £50 in memory of John
Finished with engines after a life well lived John. In dock for refit, a few repairs and a short rest then its full away on passage on the eternal voyage.
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posted a picture
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donated £50 in memory of John
Loving memory of Father
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donated £50 in memory of John
In memory of John with love from Rob and Sue
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donated £30 in memory of John
Colette & family - its a sad time but what a life! Will be lovely to come and share John's memories and life with you on 5th Sep.
love, Liz
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posted a picture
Long time ago!
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donated in memory of John
In sad remembrance of Cousin John, especially of past family gatherings, from Mike and Florian.
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donated £250 in memory of John
Our thoughts and best wishes from all at Deep Sea & Coastal Pilots.
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donated £50 in memory of John
Our deepest sympathy. We pray to God to rest John's soul in peace.
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donated £50 in memory of John
Love from all the Bowditch Clan - I have many fond memories growing up, a lot of time spent at Glendower John cracking jokes, supplying James and I with wine and cheese, and being jovial presence.
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Long time ago!
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