The Tumut and Adelong times 15 Jul 1947
OBITUARY MR. "TED" COTTAM The death occurred on July 3 at his residence, Winton Street, Tumbarumba of Mr. Edmund Lyon Seth '"Ted" Cottam. By the demise of this fine old gentleman, Tumbarumba and district has lost one of its best known and highly respected citizens. Though not unexpected, death came suddenly and caused a shock to his family and many friends, who will mourn the passing of a man whom everyone could call a friend. The late Mr. Cottam was born at Adelong 72 years ago, being a son son of the late Mr. and Mrs. R. Cottam. At Bago, in 1907, he married Alice Gertrude Doubleday, who was a school teacher at Tumbarumba at the time. In his early days, deceased did shearing and contract work, but later entered the butchering trade, and his business at Tumbarumba has been conducted by him for the last 50 years. Just over three years ago deceased suffered a broken leg when a horse he was riding slipped and fell on him. Since then he had been confined to his bed. Deceased was a great lover of horses, and besides being recognised as one of the best horsemen in the district, he owned the champion racing mare, Rose Gambol Up to the time of his incident the late Mr. Cottam was an enthusiastic and active member of the Tumbarumba Race Club and held the position of judge and time-keeper. The late Mr Cottam was a member of the Tumbarumba Shire Council for six years and during that time was Deputy President for three years. Besides his interest in horses and racing deceased was a noted foot-runner and cricketer in his early days. Though he did not play football, the late Mr. Cottam was a keen follower of the game and had been patron of the Tumbarumba Club for many years. As a mark of respect to their late Patron the club posponed the football competition matches on the Saturday afternoon. On the Sunday afternoon both the reserve grade and first grade teams observed a minute's silence prior to the start of the game and the latter team also wore black armbands as they filed onto the field. The late Mr. Cottam was possessed of a brilliant memory and as extremely fluent in narrating yarns of the old times. Deceased had a genial personality and disposition and during his lifetime around Tumbarumba and district made a multitude of friends who will regret his passing. In addition to his widow deceased leaves, a family of two sons Thomas and Milton, both of Tumbarumba, and two daughters, Joyce (Mrs . L. G . Hicks) of Tumbarumba, and Myra (Mrs. J. B. Hurst) of Clinton, New Zealand, to mourn their Loss. Deceased also leaves three brothers, Ralph and Arthur of Tardale, and William, of Tumbarumba, and six sisters, Mesdames F. Straton, J. Grady and L. Bunter, all of Taradale, Mrs. H . Lucas (Westbrook) Mrs. C. Ferguson (Adelong) and Mrs. T. Langands (Albury). One sister, Mrs. Farmer, pre-deceased him. Mr. Cottam was a member of Lodge Tumlmrumba. No. 553, and a Lodge of Sorrow was held following his death. During the service at the Church of England on the Sunday afernoon prior to the funeral, the Rev. C. E. Nagle referred to the genial personality of deceased and his fortitude in sickness which had extended last three years. The funeral, which was attended by representatives of every organisation, took place for the Church of England portion of the Tumbarumba cemetery. The pall-bearers were Brethren W. F. Gaylard, R. Blencowe, A. Gaylard, E. Bryant, K. Holm and G. Lander. The Masonic funeral service and ceremony at the graveside were conducted by V. Wor. T. W. Gadd, assisted by Wor. Bro. S. H. Todd and V. Wor. Bro. L. G. Roth. |