Paul Cozort

On Wednesday, September 25, 2019, Paul Cozort, a man loved by his wife, children, grandchildren as well as all who knew him, passed away at the age of 91. Paul was born at home in Tipple, West Virginia, on April 5, 1928, to Sidney and Eliza (Lacy) Cozort.

During his senior year in high school he enlisted in the Navy and served on the USS Proteus as a mechanic in the engine room. He married Betty in 1948, and they had one daughter Debbie.

Divorced after leaving the Navy, Paul moved to Elko, Nevada, to be near his sister. There he met and married Kathryn Couchis and they raised six children. The family moved to Colburn, Idaho, in 1977 where Paul bought a ranch and raised cattle along with operating an auto repair shop. Kathryn died of cancer in 1986. He met and married Gloria Becker in 2006 and they enjoyed retirement together, traveling around the U.S. when they weren’t relaxing in the garden or on the porch.

From the time he was young, Paul loved all things mechanical. He would accept any challenge of repairing motors in cars, trucks, tractors and other farm equipment. He operated his own shop, Colburn Repair, for many years and customers became friends. He was active in his community, taking part in Bonner County’s Search and Rescue for 19 years.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, brother Tracy, sister Helen, daughter Debbie, and wife Kathryn. Paul is survived by his wife, Gloria Becker Cozort; children Steve Cozort, Patty Pang (and her husband and three children), David Cozort (and his son and granddaughter), Lisa Hess (and her husband, daughter, four grandchildren, and great-granddaughter), Shanna Cozort (and her three children, and 10 grandchildren) and Jim Cozort (and his wife and son) along with Gloria’s three children, Randy Becker, Linda Bloxom, and Kathy Anselmo, and their children and grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 12, at 11 a.m. at Coffelt Funeral Services, 109 N. Divison Ave., Sandpoint. A potluck lunch will be served after the service at Dover Community Center, 313 Washington St., Dover.