The boating world has lost another legend, an incredibly well-respected boatbuilder. Dan was the foreman and co-owner of John Lidgard Yachts & Co. for over 20 years before starting his own business.
We gave him a great send-off at Te Atatu Boating Club, which was packed. Eight of his apprentices paid their respects – Keith Eade, Dan Kamphuis, Peter Webster, Nigel Armitage, Chris Lovegrove, Dave Miller, John Hughes and Bill Upfold. Unfortunately Tim Cant was unwell and couldn’t attend. Dan was like a dad to all of us.
Dan was a phenomenal tradesman who also was a first-class spray painter, signwriter, carver, wood turner, pattern maker and designer, to name a few of his skills.
Dan was always very efficient, while always maintaining his own high standards. He once told me that he was a ‘lazy’ boat builder because he was always looking for the quickest way to get the job done. He also told me there was no such word as ‘can’t’.
Dan’s humour was legendary and he had a repertoire of expressions that are not repeatable in Boating New Zealand magazine. His humour was next level, he was always happy and he loved his work.
Dan was surrounded by a huge extended family and last year welcomed a great-grandson. All the boys in the family bear the same name, Daniel Gabriel Cottrell, a tradition that has gone on for six generations. Dan’s wife Robyn affectionately called him ‘Woody’ because he was always woodworking. I thought it was because he had such a big family!
Thank you for the memories and all your sage advice. RIP my friend (of 51 years).
– Dave Miller.
