Ernest Cotton Obituary

Ernest Kuester Cotton MD passed away peacefully on February 6, 2025 at the age of 97. Dr. Cotton, Ernie to his friends and colleagues, began his academic medical career at the University of Colorado Medical School in 1958 where he taught, researched, and practiced medicine until retiring in 1988 as Professor Emeritus Pulmonology. He played a key role in founding the discipline of pediatric pulmonology. He inspired generations of medical doctors with his knowledge, experience and charismatic lectures, many times beginning lectures with either a joke or a photo of a recent powder skiing adventure.

Ernie Cotton was born on August 9, 1927 to George Kuester Cotton M.D. and Frances Esther Weigel in Denver Colorado. Ernie grew up in Denver, attended East High School (class of 1945) and served in the Navy from June 1945 to August 1946. He then attended the University of Colorado in Boulder from 1946 to 1949, the University of Denver from 1949 to 1950 and the University of Colorado Medical School, graduating in 1954 with honors. He completed his residency from 1955 to 1958 at Cleveland City Hospital.

After his residency he was brought to the University of Colorado Medical School by the Department of Pediatrics Chair C. Henry Kempe MD. Ernie's innovative approach to pediatric pulmonary research, education, care, and advocacy was the catalyst for today's Section of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine at Children's Hospital Colorado.

He married Margo Ann Pinney in 1984 and in 1988 and they retired to Durango, Colorado enjoyed skiing at Purgatory, hiking, cycling and snowshoeing - Ernie being active well into his early 90s. He was president of the San Juan Basin Archaeological Society from 1994 to 1996.

He is survived by Margo, his six children from his first marriage to Joan Elizabeth Nadeau and their spouses; George K. Cotton (Julie), Melanie Cotton (Richard Lichtenstein), Gerald (Gerry) D. Cotton (Cecelia); Theodore (Ted) R. Cotton (Stephanie), Ernest (Buz) N. Cotton (Quincee) and Frances (Francie) Chase (Dick); twelve grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.

Ernie climbed 45 of Colorado's 14,000 ft peaks and many others. His sons have fond memories of backpacking, camping and mountain climbing with Ernie in Colorado's mountains in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s- becoming lost and being hungry common themes. His daughters were accomplished ballerinas with the Denver Civic Ballet starring in the annual Nutcracker at the Denver Auditorium annually.

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Published by The Durango Herald on Feb. 8, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Ernest Cotton

Sponsored by Hood Mortuary - Durango.

11 Entries

Shirley Becton McKenzie

July 24, 2025

I just saw Ernie's obituary. When I first met him I was the secretary/administrative assistant for the Pediatric Pulmonary Section. He and Margo were instrumental in me becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. They were a great team. I have fond memories of attending the Cotton Club, especially in Durango. Ernie was a great teacher, mentor, and unique individual. He will be missed. He touched a lot of lives over the years.

LeRoy Graham

April 25, 2025

Just saw Ernie´s obituary. I was a ped pulmonary fellow
under Ernie in the late 80s. An incredible teacher and mentor, Ernie was one of a kind.

Bradley J Kennedy

March 26, 2025

One of the most encouraging and qualified Doctors to ever oversee my Cystic Fibrosis. He and Margo helped me and my family by encouraging me to enjoy life in Colorado with CF. At 62 now I say thank you for all you have done. BK

Greg Redding

February 28, 2025

What a life! And what a gift he gave to all who learned from him. He inspired generations of pediatric pulmonologists who have become leaders in the field and advance our understanding of respiratory disorders in infants and children. He was serious but informal. He taught concepts. I hope he (and Margo) knew what a tremendous impact they made on our field of study.

Candice Carson

February 16, 2025

Dear Margo, George and I have many happy memories skiing and hiking with you and Ernie. I am sorry Fir your lose. Candice

Bud Beebe

February 13, 2025

My wife Sandy and I knew Ernie and Margo for over 30 years through Archaeology, camping, hiking, snow shoeing, dinners and happy hours at each others houses. He always had many stories to tell.
Ernie tried for many years to grow different vegetables in his garden. The wild animals were always well fed. He was also our rain man since he accurately measured the rainfall and let me know how much had fallen.
He was well known for the treatment of Pulmonary diseases in children. He will be remembered by many people that he knew.

Steve Abman

February 12, 2025

Throughout his career at the U of Colorado, Ernie not only provided the best of care to kids and their families, but his enthusiasm, support and warmth spawned generations of pediatricians and care providers, who try to carry on with his generosity of spirit, kindness and humor. He has been dearly loved and his impact will last long beyond his passing.

Angela

February 12, 2025

So long to my wonderful grandfather who I famously named "Bop". He taught me the art of sarcasm and the majesty of the mountains. For both, I am profoundly grateful.

Martin Ulshen

February 10, 2025

Ernie was a wonderful teacher with a great ability to make trainees comfortable. His sense of humor was a pleasure. An elective with him was my first rotation as a peds resident and put me at ease with the program. It´s wonderful that he lived so long with such a great life.

Richard D. Krugman

February 10, 2025

What a wonderful life, career and retirement Ernie has had. From the time I met him in 1968 when I was an intern at CU Department of Pediatrics, until a few years ago when I saw him here in Denver, he was smiling, good natured and always ready to ski. Love to Margo and the rest of the family.

Jay Rodriguez

February 10, 2025

Ernie always had something nice to say.

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