Died peacefully on January 10, 2026 at Ernest Rutherford Hospital with Inga by his side after a long journey with Dementia and Parkinson's. Mike was a much loved and loving husband to Inga for 39 years, brother of Ann Urquhart (dec), former husband and friend of Kay, and brother-in-law of Pete and Jan. Loved father and father-in-law of John (dec) and Donna, Shelley and Robert Ford. Loved grandpa of Michael, Paige and Shinn, Kristoff and Ella, Cameron and Bronie, Bailey and Cailin. Great-grandpa of Malia. Uncle of Joanne, Dean and Adam. Mike was a loved and respected stepfather and stepfather-in-law of James and Cathy, Nick and Belinda, and step-grandpa of Jack, Sophie, Livy, and Chloe, and great-grandpa of Fiadh. Mike was also a respected Uncle and friend of the Gibson and McKeown families. Mike was preceded in his death by his parents, Thelma (Tid) and John (Jack) Cotton. Inga and family extend their sincere and heartfelt thanks to the Rest Home, Special Care Unit and Hospital staff at Ernest Rutherford for their compassion, kindness and care of Mike. At Mike's request, a private service has been held.

Published by The Press on Jan. 17, 2026.