Terry P.

Cotton

In Loving Memory of Terry Cotton

Terry Cotton, of Concord, New Hampshire, passed away on October 20, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. He leaves behind a lifetime of adventures, accomplishments, treasured friendships, loving family, and wonderful memories.

The fourth of five children born to the late Florence Robertson (LeClair) and Chester Cotton, Terry grew up in New Hampshire, where he developed a lifelong appreciation for family, friendship, and the beauty of New England.

A graduate of Spaulding High School in Rochester, New Hampshire, where he played football, Terry went on to attend and graduate from Arizona State University. He married his high school sweetheart, Katarina Forsgardh, an exchange student from Sweden, and together they had two sons, Eric and Patrick. He later met his life partner, Michelle Harris Leuci, and they were together until his death.

One of the most important parts of Terry’s life was his love of travel. He traveled extensively throughout Europe, embracing new experiences and discovering life beyond the United States. He also lived in Stockholm, Sweden, with his family for several years, a meaningful chapter in his life that reflected his curiosity about the world and his appreciation for a more worldly view of cultures.

A true entrepreneur and natural risk-taker. Terry spent his professional life turning ideas into opportunities, building businesses from the ground up and guiding them to success. His entrepreneurial spirit, vision, and determination were defining qualities throughout his career.

But Terry was much more than his professional accomplishments. He was fun-loving, loved his two boys dearly, and knew how to enjoy life. He had a special appreciation for New Hampshire's natural beauty, from its scenic mountain trails to its magnificent Atlantic coastline. An avid hiker and ocean lover, Terry was particularly known for plunging into the frigid Atlantic waters in the middle of winter — a memorable example of his enthusiasm for life's adventures.

Perhaps one of Terry's greatest gifts was his ability to build friendships that lasted a lifetime. He surrounded himself with friends who had been by his side through the many chapters of his life. Those enduring friendships were a testament to the loyalty, laughter, and genuine connections he shared with others.

Even when he faced a long battle with cancer, Terry approached the end of his journey in his own unique way. Rather than having others gather only after his passing, he chose to host a Celebration of Life while he could still be part of it. Surrounded by family and lifelong friends, he had the opportunity to share laughter, stories, songs, memories, and love with the people who meant so much to him. It was a fitting tribute to a man who believed in living life fully and celebrating the relationships that made it worthwhile.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Florence Robertson (LeClair) and Chester Cotton, and his stepfather, Burton Robertson and stepbrother, Teddy Robertson.

He is survived by his two sons, Eric Cotton and Patrick Cotton; his former wife, Katarina Forsgardh; his life partner, Michelle Harris and her children Ally and Sarah; Terry’s four other siblings, Sonja Cotton, James Cotton, Karen Illg, and Kathleen Cotton-Blomstrom; his three nephews, Dino Cotton, Connor Blomstrom, and Cooper Blomstrom; and his two nieces, Willow Illg and Gabriella Illg. He also leaves behind a wonderful circle of lifelong friends whose loyalty, laughter, and companionship meant so much to him.

Although his journey has come to an end on this plane, the memories he created will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

And somewhere along the beautiful New Hampshire coastline, where the ocean meets the shore, we can almost imagine Terry smiling, ready to take one more plunge, stripped down to his underwear, into those icy Atlantic waters.

Rest peacefully, "Beanie". Your adventures, laughter, and friendship will never be forgotten.

Cremation Society of NH, Boscawen office, is assisting the family with arrangements. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information please visit www.csnh.com.