Richard D. Cothern

Richard Dale Cothern, 80, of Holland, OH, retired CPA and former U.S. Air Force pilot, passed away June 16, 2012, in his home of cancer. Dick possessed an unquenchable enthusiasm for life. An avid reader and storyteller, he was passionate about aviation, knowing every type of plane built; financial data; fine cigars; world travel; his family; longterm buddies from Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) at the University of Toledo and the former Bud and Luke’s restaurant; and the Kuhlman Corp., where he worked 32 years. At Kuhlman, he was vice president of finance, secretary and treasurer, senior vice president of real estate, and member of the Board of Directors from 1970 until his death. He was a voracious golfer, playing 100-150 rounds annually since retiring 14 years ago. Dick was always positive, smart, tenacious, loyal, impeccably dressed, kind, and never afraid to question the status quo. He was born in 1931, the seventh of eight children of Louis and Maude Cothern, graduating from Libbey High School in 1949. He earned his wings in the Air Force in 1951-1956, flying a twin-engine light bomber and later worked as an administrative officer in Japan. Dick graduated in business administration from the University of Toledo in 1958. In 1961-1962 he was recalled by the military as a captain and armament officer for the 112th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ohio Air National Guard. Dick was a CPA for Arthur Young and Co. from 1958-1966. He was a lifetime member of the Toledo Chapter of the Ohio Society of CPA’s, president of The Tax Forum, a 25-year member and former president of the Toledo Chapter of Financial Executives International, and in the American Institute of CPA’s. He was a 50-year member of SAE and for 25 years was treasurer of the UT fraternity’s house corporation. Other life memberships include the University of Toledo Alumni Association and the Evans Scholars Foundation. Since 1984, Dick served on the Architectural Committee for Arrowhead Park and had been treasurer since 1992. For nine years he was on the Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio’s Board of Trustees, and was former president of the Stone Oak Homeowners’ Association. In 1961 upon his marriage to Ann (Dillon), he became Roman Catholic. He belonged to the Downtown Coaches Association and Stone Oak Country Club, and was a former member of Heatherdowns and Sylvania Country Clubs. In addition to his wife, Dick is survived by children Leslie (Tom) Wade, of Hudson, OH; Betsy Booth, of Sylvania; and Ted (Kristin) Cothern of Virginia Beach, VA, plus 8 grandchildren: Matthew, Nicholas, Stephanie, and Christina Wade; Jacob and Dillion Booth, and Riley and Quinn Cothern. Siblings Mary Lou Gorr and Robert Cothern survive, while James, Joseph, John, Maxine Benning and Patricia Lambert are deceased. Friends may call at the Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 So.. Reynolds Rd., Friday 2-8 p.m. where a Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. The funeral will begin in the mortuary Saturday at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass n St. Joan of Arc Church at 10 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials may take the form of a contribution to Evans Scholar Foundation 1 Briarwood Road Golf, Il 60029 or Hospice of Northwest Ohio 30000 East River Rd Perrysburg, Ohio 43551 Dick lived his life well.

Tributes

Richard D. Cothern

December 30, 1931 - June 16, 2012