Steven Ackerl Cotter

Sep 26, 1957 -

Oct 22, 2020

Steven Ackerl Cotter, dedicated family man and friend to many, was born on Sept. 26, 1957, in Palo Alto, Calif. He died suddenly on Oct. 22, 2020, at age 63, of a sudden cardiac event in his hometown of 38 years, Valdez, Alaska. Steve was dedicated fully to his family, friends and community, acting as a source of strength, hope, love and laughter to anybody he met. He was always willing to offer a helping hand. The greatest love of his life, whom anyone who knew him knew how madly in love he was with, was his wife of 38 years, Jane Cotter. They met in 1979, in Milwaukee, Wis. Together they raised a beautiful family. He balanced amazingly the role of provider with that of a husband and father. His family extended to his beloved pets, including Poppy, Lily, Pogo, Iris, Susie, Sasha and Max.

Steve had many skills and talents, but those that will be remembered by most were his kind spirit and helping hands. He had a smile that would light up the room and your heart. As a skilled master carpenter and master of several trades, Steve was many peoples' first call for help, and he was a teacher to anyone who wanted to learn. He took pride in the details of his work, and accomplished hundreds of projects and constructed homes in his 38 years of contracting. He was also very committed to his career as a registered union longshoreman for the Inland Boatmen's Union (IBU) represented by International Longshore and WareHouses Union. Steve was an elected representative as the Alaska Longshore Representative on the IBU regional executive committee. He also served on the Ports and Harbor Commission in Valdez, Alaska, as part of the advisory committee to the city council as they worked together for community guidance for the waterfront and transportation industry.

He is preceded in death by his father, Cornelius P. Cotter; mother, Rose Marie Ackerl; stepmother, Beverly B. Cook; and stepbrother, Scott Cook. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jane Cotter; daughters, Corina Sky Nicolette and Audrey Marie Cotter Miller; son, Steven Joseph Cotter; daughter-in-law, Carley Cotter; and his six adoring grandchildren: Elayzia, Griffin, Canyon, Ada, Maisareen and Yuri. Steve is also survived by his brothers, Larry (Sue) Cotter and Charley (Wendy) Cotter; sister, Corkie Wade (Larry); stepbrother, Randy (Rena) Cook; stepbrother, Gary Cook; stepsister, Linda Cook; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Please help us celebrate Steve's life in a virtual celebration on Dec. 12, 2020, at 2 p.m. AKST, and by paying forward his legacy of kindness and service to others. Please email celebratesteve57@gmail.com to register for the service. We are hopeful to have an in person celebration the summer of 2021 in Valdez.