Mr. Suleyman Cotal's Obituary
Mr. Suleyman Cotal, age 86, passed away Monday morning, April 3, 2017, at an area hospital. Suleyman was born August 6, 1930 in Atca, Turkey to Ibrahim and Fatma (Gulgun) Cotal. He served in the Turkish Merchant Marines and was later employed by them for 15 years as a mechanical engineer. Suleyman then worked as an engineer for Shell Oil Company until his retirement. He worked with disabled people and volunteered at “The Lemonade Stand” of Muskegon, and many other places in the area. He was a member of Volunteer Muskegon and was a CENA (Certified Nurse Aide) who had worked at Brookhaven Nursing Facility; something which he was very proud of. He enjoyed bridge with the duplicate players of Muskegon, and spending time with friends. Suleyman is survived by his brothers, Zafer (Gul) Cotal of Istanbul, Turkey, and Soner (Turhan) Cotal of Sweden; his former wife and friend, Emogene Cotal; several nieces and nephews; and his adopted family, Lynette de Jong and William Smith and their 5 children. He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers, Izzmet and Metin. In accordance with his wishes, no services will be held. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be made to “The Lemonade Stand of Muskegon”. Arrangements by The Sytsema Chapel, 737 Apple Ave., 231-726-5210.
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