Donald Patrick Cote

VASSALBORO – Donald Patrick Cote, 87, of Vassalboro, died unexpectedly after a short illness, on Dec. 22, 2024 at the Augusta Center for Health and Rehabilitation. He was born in Augusta on Aug. 15, 1937, the eldest son of Eugene Charles Cote and Alice Antoinette (Rodrigue) Cote.

Don grew up in Augusta, attended school there and subsequently served in the Naval Reserves from February 1955 to February 1963. He met Carleen Sirois at the local Dairy Joy when they were teenagers and after seven years of dating, they married on Feb. 20, 1960. They continued to live in Augusta for the first four years of their marriage, then purchased land in Vassalboro and built their home.

Don was a hard worker all his life, beginning in high school when his first job was for Ken Barden, Manager at the Beacon Feed Store. He later worked as a foreman in beverage manufacturing, 21 years at Coca Cola, followed by 20 years at North Center Food Service. His strong work ethic was recognized several times: Ten Years of Perfect Attendance (1987); Employee of the Month (April 1991); Total Quality Management (April 1994); Total Quality Team Training (April 1995); and upon retirement, a Dedicated Years of Service 4/18/77 – 5/30/97 plaque, along with an engraved watch and a monetary donation from employees and North Center to help him build a flight pen for injured birds at his and Carleen’s Duck Pond Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (currently known as the “Wildlife Care Center”).

As a young man, Don enjoyed boating, fishing, and trapping, but his boyhood dream of raising exotic waterfowl was finally realized after he and Carleen were able to improve the pond area on their property. In 1964, the first critter that needed caring for was a baby black duck, which led to their decision to shift their focus to wildlife rehabilitation. After obtaining the required federal and state licenses, their lives were committed to caring for injured, abandoned, or starving wildlife 24/7. The Cotes had no children of their own, but rescued literally thousands of fur and feather babies, nurturing them back to health for release or at the least, providing comfort during their final hours. Out of the various species cared for over the past 60 years, Don’s favorites were foxes and fawns.

It’s no surprise he was a member and supporter of several wildlife, waterfowl and environmental organizations, including Northeastern Avicultural Society, American Pheasant and Waterfowl Society, Cathedral Pines Wild Waterfowl Propagation Trust and Nature Center, Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, and Maine Trappers Association. His commitment and hard work carried over into “retirement” and he was duly recognized, including three Certificates of Appreciation from the Canadian Wildlife Service for reporting banded ducks; several Outstanding Game Bird Propagation awards (1973-1980) from the American Game Bird Breeders’ Cooperative Federation; and most recently, Natural Resources Council of Maine People’s Choice Finalist (2019).

In addition, the renamed “Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center” received a Spirit of America Recognition for 50 years (2015), Legacy Leadership to Safeguard the Environment for Future Generations from the Natural Resources Defense Council (2012), and Hometown Heroes Award from Modern Woodmen of America (2008).

Don was predeceased by his wife, Carleen; his parents; and brother, Kenneth.

He is survived by his brother, Dana of Standish; nephew “Little” Dana, wife Lisa and son Lucas; several cousins; and many long-time special friends and volunteers from the Wildlife Care Center.

There are no planned visiting hours, but a celebration of life for Don and Carleen will be held this summer for people to share favorite memories and stories; an announcement with details will be provided by Plummer Funeral Home at a future date.

A final Critter Chatter column will be published in memory of the Cotes and the undeniable legacy their work and spirit have given to us.

To share stories, photos or express condolences, please visit http://www.plummerfh.com.