Hoyt Cotter

Hoyt Franklin Cotter died December 19, 2023 in a motorcycle accident in Gainesville, Florida. He was 18.

Hoyt was, and perhaps still is, a trickster figure. His creative genius and perfectly-timed, dark and dry comical commentary was legendary among those who knew him. As a small child, he was often in costume, with Halloween highlights that included a skunk, a dung beetle and Santa. He once tied a loose tooth to an arrow and shot it out with a bow. His jump scare stage was harrowing. Sharing a birthday with Richard Astley, he felt a sort of fraternal obligation to never give anyone up, nor let anyone down. He was a fantastic gift-giver (and was genuinely appreciative of any gifts he received) – Christmas never came soon enough. In high school, his dad and stepmom took a trip in early-October. They came home to find he'd bought and decorated a tree and strung their entire house with lights. His friends and co-workers at Mark's Prime Steakhouse and Ichiban remember his constant pranks. He had a habit of stopping them in the halls during the dinner rush to ask deeply profound philosophical questions, like, "would you rather have one mask or two faces?" or a simple “hey, what's your fifth favorite Robert De Niro movie?” – always with a straight face and a twinkle in his eyes. He was undoubtedly influenced by years of watching The Office and long afternoons curled up with his cat(s) reading Calvin & Hobbes.

For such a young man, Hoyt had deeply thought-out and sophisticated political and economic ideas. He was raised Quaker and valued having the freedom to form his own opinions, which were often in stark contrast with family and friends. He would joyfully debate any topic, and while he could be quite the contrarian, he was becoming increasingly capable of respectful civil discourse. He felt the world needed this if we are to move on from our crippling political divide. He was refreshingly present, exceptionally clever, inquisitive, hard-working and committed to anything he put his mind to. He learned best through self discovery and rarely asked for help. He researched the most granular details of any current interest, and could recite them back at the drop of a Santa hat. 

Hoyt had eyes like an ever-changing sky and copper curls that added an angelic quality to his otherwise rugged masculinity. He gave powerful bear hugs and was inexplicably strong, even when he spent much of his time playing video games. He was a surprisingly good bowler for someone who seldom bowled and a graceful rock climber for someone who seldom climbed. He was a fine mechanic from a long line of the same, constantly tinkering with his car and motorcycle. He built several computers from scratch, and modded an arsenal of Nerf guns in his youth, some of which worked, though seldom as expected. Always doing the math on these things, he figured his $20 lifetime membership to Minecraft was the best money his mom ever spent. He had a gift for designing and building things, virtually and physically. He’d just made the Dean's list and earned an OSHA certification in his first semester studying construction management at Santa Fe College. He was a Bright Futures Scholar and planned to transfer to the University of Florida.

Growing up in Gainesville, time spent camping, biking on trails, paddling rivers and exploring creeks formed the foundation for Hoyt’s education. He also attended Morning Meadow preschool, One Room School House, Stephen Foster and Meadowbrook elementary schools, Howard Bishop middle school and Buchholz high school, where he graduated in May 2023.

Hoyt is preceded in death by many beloved pets, as well as his grandmother Jackie. He is survived by his mother, Jen Ambrose, his father Bryan Cotter and stepmother Liz, his grandparents Susan and Joe and his grandfather Bob, his aunt Jodi (Tom), his uncle John (Julie), his honorary uncle Vincent, and a beautiful and heartbroken crew of cousins, god sisters, step “triblings” and grandparents, great aunts and uncles, and both new and lifelong friends and "homies" who all loved him deeply and will miss him terribly, until the rivers meet the sea. 

A scholarship has been established in Hoyt's name at Morningside Nature Center's Earth Academy Day Camp, where his incessant curiosity challenged and inspired staff to find new and creative ways to teach young people about nature.

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