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Kotch, Stephen Frederick

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Stephen Frederick Kotch

May 30, 1943 - March 28, 2017

Steve Kotch Jr. was many things, to many people:

3^rd generation owner/operator of various transportation businesses, which offered various destinations like ski resorts, concerts, private charters, tours to Disneyland, and much more.

Cardinal Coach
Northern Bus Lines
Canada West Transportation
Exotic International Travel and Tours
Kotch's Alberta Wildrose Charter Coaches
Kotch's Exotic International Travel and Tours

"The Spirit Bear" motorcoach (seen above)

Alderman - City of Lethbridge, Alberta Canada (1969-1974)
Director of The Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Association (1969)
Owner/operator of High Chaparral Western Clothing Store
Creator and manager of the Annual Christmas Lights Tours throughout Lethbridge (1962-2016)
Designed and patented the worlds first ultra-light double-deck motorcoach.
Son of Frederick Kotch Sr. and Florence Kotch, Steve is survived by Faye Kuehn (sister), Katherine Derosso (daughter), Fred Kotch Jr. (son), and Carolyn Williams (daughter), Derek Kotch (grandson), Nicholas Kotch (great grandson), Archie Williams (grandson), and Christiana Williams (granddaughter).

Being a personal confidant and life counselor to many, Steve was an intelligent, kind hearted gentleman, who desired the very best for everyone that he knew. He had the positive attitude, that persistence and good intentions will eventually lead to success, and he practiced those traits every day of his life. He was extremely knowledgeable about his trade, and found it to be rewarding when given the opportunity to teach others new skill sets.

Being a very active member of the community in Lethbridge all of his life, he founded and managed the Annual Christmas Lights Tour for 54 years, and found it to be a high personal reward, knowing that he was humbly participating in something greater than himself. Besides being an inventive entrepreneur, statesman, owner/operator in the transportation industry, he was a loving father, with incredible advice as a life-coach. Like most parents, his concern and pride for his children was unwavering, and he always sought to encourage his family to be strong and kind. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends alike.

During the past couple of months, Steve was being cared for by the wonderful medical personnel at Chinook Regional Hospital. One can only wonder if any of them fully realize how valuable they truly are, and how their care-giving skills are perceived by those in need. If Steve could have ever theoretically rewarded everyone who took such great care of him during his visit, I am sure that he would have sent them all to Disneyland, and bought them an ice-cream cone ... and a Mickeymouse hat. His family can't express enough gratitude for their persistence and integrity to provide him with such excellent care. If you are reading this, and feel the need to communicate your words of thanks, Steve's family highly encourages you to give praise to the those unsung heroes at Patient.Feedback@albertahealthservices.ca

R.I.P. Paw-Bear

At Steve's request, no formal funeral service will be held.

Cremation entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.

I am so sad to hear that Mr Kotch passed away last year. He helped plan several trips to Disneyland for me and my daughter over the years. My daughter is now 21! I am thinking of him today as I am planning another Disneyland trip for the fall of this year. He was very kind to me and my daughter. He always spoke kindly of his family. I remember him speaking about his daughters...he gave encouraging words and advise to me. l loved his office out at the Lethbridge airport. I will truly miss him. Maybe his soul will be with me on my adventure in the fall!

susancarolarndt hotmail.com, August 15, 2018

I am very sorry to about Stephen. I have some items that Stephen owned. Is it possible to have someone contact me, so I can return them to the estate? Please contact me at 403-382-1639

Peter Dyck, June 7, 2017

Kathryn DeRosso n e Kotch, April 4, 2017

My Dad ("Paw-Bear") meant the world to me. We talked almost every day. I keep thinking about calling him and then remember that I can't anymore. He was my rock, my cheerleader, my confidante. He taught me about music, politics, sports, love of nature, and the list goes on. So many wonderful memories of my dad's endeavors that apparently touched other people's lives as well... Dad wanted everyone to be connected to their roots, and sought to expand their knowledge about the world. I miss you, Dad. Beyond words. The song I keep thinking of: "Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole" singing "Unforgettable" as father and daughter.

Kathryn DeRosso n e Kotch, April 4, 2017

Jack thy, April 3, 2017

My sincere condolences to the Family of Mr. Stephen Kotch. My Dad Lewis and my Uncle Les both worked for Northern Bus Lines back in the day. Rest in peace Steve.

Dave Norgardt, April 2, 2017

My name is Floyd Cody and I live outside Milk River, Alberta. When I was in high school at Milk River in 1969 our CYO Church group hired Steve Kotch and his famous Northern Bus to drive our group to Banff for a weekend outing. Steve was accompanied by his wife and young daughter. We of course had our girlfriends along as well as chaperones. Steve was very good to us and one thing I will never forget is how he made sure we were all comfortable. In fact, as we were getting on his bus in Milk River the song by the Poppy Family was playing "That's Where I went Wrong" and in the song is a line "this bus is awful cold" and one of the riders was singing along to which Steve said, "you kids too cold back there I can turn up the heat", he never missed a chance to make sure our trip was first class. Steve was an inspiration and a gift to more people than we will ever know. He pulled wrenches at night to make sure the busses would be ready for morning. Thank You Steve and your family, God Speed, enjoy your new digs, you have earned it, Floyd

Floyd Cody, April 1, 2017

My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Steve. He was very much a Lethbridge icon and obviously had a deep love for the city and its citizens. A fond memory I have is from Fleetwood Bawden elementary school. One of my classmates was Steve's daughter Carolyn and as result, we were treated to a wonderful day trip in one of his luxury motor coaches to Waterton National Park. Just one more story of many, I am sure, of Steve's generosity. He has definitely left an indelible mark on Lethbridge and southern Alberta.

Ken Meintzer, April 1, 2017

Beautifully said, Fred, and thank you! The description given on this site was very well said also. Having been a driver myself some years ago, I can attest to the difficulty of the job. Dad wasn't always a driver, but he did drive a lot, and without losing a single life! He was so careful to make sure that his passengers were enjoying the trip. He truly went above and beyond the call of duty. His example lives on in me too as I care for the disabled population, and see how powerful my dad's style of service can be in the life of a disabled person. Thanks, Dad!

Carolyn Kotch (Williams), March 31, 2017

If you believe in Heaven, imagine that our Father, Steve Kotch Jr. is doing much better than he had been the past couple of months. He is now riding in his "Spirit Bear" bus, with a load of happy travelers, who are joining him on his vacation to greener pastures. Rest In Peace Paw-Bear. I love you much.

Fred Kotch, March 30, 2017

Kotch, Stephen Frederick

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