Gregory David Cottier, 53, of Willow, Alaska, died Sept. 5, 2011. Greg was born Dec. 29, 1957, in Alamosa, Colo., to Vernon Cottier and Zella (Brown) Bloxom.

He graduated from Hellgate High School in Missoula, Mont., and later attended North Idaho College and two years at Spokane Community College where he graduated second in his class. He completed his education through a carpentry trade school in Anchorage. Greg was a longtime resident of Alaska since 1975 and worked all over the state. He attended Willow Bible Fellowship and New Life Christian Center. He loved to help people everywhere and anywhere. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and Bible study.

As a child, Greg loved to climb nearby hills and mountains. He enjoyed fly-fishing and tying his own flies. He was an obedient and hard-working young man. Greg was very athletic and once placed third in Greco Roman wrestling at nationals while attending high school. Greg loved Alaska and the Lord with all his heart.

Greg is survived by his mother, Zella L. Bloxom and his stepfather, Jack L. Bloxom of Coeur d'Alene; brothers and sisters-in-law, Terrance L. and Debbie Cottier of Dallas, Texas, and Gordon and Sheila Cottier of Avery; a stepsister, Michal Stewart and husband Tom of Seattle; cousins Amy Snow and husband David of Little Elm, Texas, Sarah Rimbey and husband Todd of Corinth, Texas, Jody Sweringen of Newman Lake, Wash., and Travis Levi Cottier and wife Kelly of Hayden Lake; an aunt, Joan Shaw and husband Don of Temecula, Calif.; an uncle, Edward Ball and wife Kay of Delta, Colo.; and extended family, Trevor and Ethan Snow, Olivia Rimbey, Jake Carpenter, Kyra Swearingen, and Kobe and Tatum Cottier.

He was preceded in death by his father, Vernon Cottier; grandparents, Elmer and Luella Ball; aunt Vera "Jinx" Marhmen and uncle Wesley Brown.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011, at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel, with a reception to follow at the funeral home. Please visit Greg's memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.