Peter Jennings Cottrell, affectionately known as “Pete”, passed away on February 15th, 2011. He was born to Clarence Cottrell and Esther La Selve Cottrell in San Francisco on October 27th, 1941.
He spent his early life in Hollister, CA where he was raised by his grandmother, Lena Gilmore La Selve Jennings. Upon high school graduation, Peter moved to the Bay Area where he remained for the majority of his years. He served in Vietnam from 1964-1966 as a member of the United States Army. Peter was one of the first black firefighters in San Francisco, where he served for 29 years. In 2003 he retired as Lieutenant.
Always challenging himself, Peter received a pilot’s license, earned a brown belt in karate, and completed the San Francisco marathon. He was an avid reader and never missed an episode of Jeopardy. He was often found enjoying Sudoku, crossword puzzles, movies, foreign films, plays and museums. As a young adult, he mastered the art of woodcarving and left behind an extensive collection of his work.
Peter was an ardent historian. He was well versed in world history and used every opportunity to pass on his wisdom to his children. His ever-present desire for acquiring knowledge propelled his travels throughout parts of Asia, Europe, Cuba and Africa.
Peter was preceded in death by: mother, Esther Lewis (San Francisco, CA), father, Clarence Cottrell (San Francisco, CA) and son Justin Jennings Cottrell (Yakima, WA).
He is survived by loving daughters Juliana Cottrell (Oakland, CA) and Natalie Cottrell (Seattle, WA); daughter-in-law Shala Cottrell (Yakima, WA); grandchildren Kyla Cottrell Chaney (Seattle, WA) and Caleb Justin Jennings Cottrell (Yakima, WA); sister Antonia Cottrell Martin (Hollister, CA) as well as many other relatives and friends in the San Francisco bay area.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2011, @ 1:30 P.M. at Hollister United Methodist Church (520 Monterey Street, Hollister, CA).
