Émile (Sonny) Côté

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Émile “Sonny” Côté on June 26, 2026, at the age of 91.

Sonny lived life with enthusiasm, generosity, and an unmistakable sense of humour. An avid darts, fastball, and petanque player, he also found great joy in the quiet moments spent fishing.

A machinist by trade, Sonny later fulfilled his dream of owning and operating his own skate sharpening and hockey equipment business. Known for his remarkable craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, he took great pride in every job he did and approached his work with dedication and integrity.

More than anything, however, Sonny will be remembered for the person he was. He had an infectious smile, a warm heart, and a gift for bringing people together. A playful prankster with a great sense of humor, he delighted in making children laugh and never missed an opportunity to tease family and friends with affection. His greatest joy in life was his family, whom he loved unconditionally and whose happiness always came before his own.

Sonny was the beloved son of the late Émile Côté and the late Reta Whitley. He was predeceased by his sister Irene Ashley (the late Gib Ashley).

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Rita Mongeon Côté; his children, Diane Côté (Gilbert Roy), Suzanne Côté (Richard Beaudoin), Lise Côté (Denis Viau), Paul Côté (Michelle Lefebvre), and Pierre Côté (Denise Lamoureux); his sister, Ruth Spicer (the late Marvin Spicer); his ten cherished grandchildren, Gabrielle, Michèle, Antoine, Joël, Mélanie, Janique, Nicolas, Melyna, Maxime, and Marc-Antoine; his ten great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended family members, and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 9th, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the COOPÉRATIVE FUNÉRAIRE DE L’OUTAOUAIS located at 750, boul. Maloney Est in Gatineau. Family and friends may pay their respects starting at 1:15 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society Outaouais (https://alzheimeroutaouais.com/faire-un-don/) or the Gatineau Health Foundation for the benefit of CHSLD La Renaissance (https://dons.fondationsantegatineau.ca/DONWEB2/?lng=1). The family wishes to extend its heartfelt gratitude to the management and staff of CHSLD La Renaissance in Aylmer for the outstanding care they provided. Their compassion, kindness, dedication, and unwavering support brought great comfort to Sonny and to all of us and will never be forgotten.