Early morning Monday, June 26, 2023, David Henry Cottrell of North Cove, Washington passed away from complications following a bicycle accident.

David, first son of cranberry farmers Christine and Walter Cottrell, was born in Aberdeen in 1958. After graduating from Ocosta High School, he followed a family tradition of attending Whitman College from 1976- 1980 and later UW doing post graduate work in mathematics.

Work in the Alaska canneries and temping in Seattle allowed David and his brother Francis to start D & F Cottrell Cranberries. Returning to North Cove and farming, David became active with the Lady Washington and the long boat educational programs eventually serving as a board member of Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority.

David’s out-of-the-box thinking landed him many responsibilities in the community of North Cove. He served as Vice Chair of the Grayland Cranberry Association, work group member for the Volunteer Stewardship Program (VSP), and chairman of Pacific County Drainage Ditch #1 (PCDD#1). He used to say that he took on jobs that paid nothing and had lots of controversy attached.

As PCDD#1 chair, he took on the project of rebuilding the barrier sand dune that protects the district. He said, “You can do something or you can do nothing. If you do nothing you get nothing.” Since 2017 David’s stewardship has virtually stopped the devastating erosion that has swallowed homes and habitat for 100 years.

David is preceded in death by his parents, survived by his wife, Connie Allen, siblings Francis, Anne married to Eric Spencer, and nephew, Quinn Spencer along with several cousins.

A celebration of David’s life will be held at the North Willapa Harbor Grange 3198 state Route 105 on Sunday July 30, 4 p.m. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to continue his vision for beach stability at David Cottrell Memorial Fund with the Pacific County Foundation.