Keith M. Cottam

  Keith M. Cottam, 82, of Casper, Wyoming, passed away on April 9, 2023, after a 10-year battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Keith was born on February 13, 1941, in St. George, Utah, to Von and Adrene Cottam. He completed high school in Salt Lake City before earning a bachelor's degree at Utah State University and a master's degree in library science at Pratt Institute in New York City. Keith had a distinguished career as Director of Libraries at prestigious universities, including Brigham Young University, Vanderbilt University, the University of Tennessee, the University of Wyoming, and Casper College. He notably served as Dean of Libraries at the University of Wyoming for 18 years.

  In 1961, Keith married Laurel Springer, with whom he had five children: Mark, Lisa, Andrea, Brian, and Heather. In 2002, he married Mary Albertson, welcoming her three children, Asher, Gabe, and Lizzie, into his family. Keith was a passionate cyclist who ordered his first bike from Italy at 15 years old with a loan from his father. In addition to cycling, Keith loved gardening and devoted countless hours to volunteering with Serve Wyoming, Platte River Trails Trust, National Historic Trail Center, Senior Olympics, Casper Chamber of Commerce, and the Wyoming Library Association. He particularly enjoyed reading to children and leading library story times throughout the state as part of an outreach program for the University of Wyoming.

  A faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Keith served as the Stake Executive Secretary in Laramie and as a youth Sunday school teacher in Casper. He also sang in the church choir. Keith's greatest priority was being a husband to Mary, a father to his children and step children, and a grandfather to his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Keith is survived by his wife, Mary Cottam; his five children, Mark (Miriam) Cottam, Lisa (Tod) Harding, Andrea (David) Larsen, Brian (Emeli Rivera) Cottam, and Heather (Jaren) Pope; his three stepchildren, Asher (Sidney Williams) Albertson, Gabriel Albertson, and Lizzie (Eric) Stowe; 24 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.

  Memorial contributions can be made to the University of Wyoming Library, the Casper College Foundation, the National Historic Trails Center, and the Platte River Trails Trust. The family welcomes everyone to attend Keith's services on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 10:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3931 W 45th St, Casper, WY, 82604. A visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 9:00 am in the Relief Society Room of the Church. 

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Topic: Keith Cottam Funeral
Time: Apr 15, 2023 10:00 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

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