Somesville, Maine - Donald Cote, 95, of Somesville passed away peacefully on the morning of January 14, 2026. Don was born on French Island in Old Town on April 14, 1930, the son of Rosanna Baillargeon and Eugene Cote.

He was one of thirteen children, seven girls and six boys. Don described his childhood as "We were poor, but didn't go hungry." Growing up in the outdoors hunting and fishing, Don always dreamed of becoming a Maine Game Warden. Graduating high school, Don took a job as a guide at the Birches on Moosehead Lake, where he met Bea Leighton, the love of his life and they married in 1951. In 1953 Don became a Maine Game Warden at Northeast Carry on Moosehead then transferred to Mount Desert Island in 1957. He retired from the warden service in 1975 and took on a job as a Park Ranger in Acadia National Park. Don made many friends throughout the years and numerous accomplishments from building several houses in Somesville and publishing a book of his years in the Warden Service.

He is survived by sisters, Bernice Curtis, Betty Riva (Francis), Joyce Stallings, Linda Deshane (William), and Donna Hersey (Al); brother, Francis (Jeanne); sister-in-law, Annette Cote; brother-in-law, Gary Dearborn (Wendy); son, Craig; stepson, Todd Hollbrook; many nieces and nephews; and his best canine friend, "Rusty," who never left his side. In addition to his parents, Don was predeceased by his brothers, Wallace, Robert, and George, Lester; and his sisters, Rita Spiess and Theresa Toussaint.

Don's warmth, kindness, and unwavering love touched all who knew him. He lived a meaningful and beautiful life. We will all truly miss him.

A memorial service will be planned at a later date when family can all get together.