William Perry Cottingham

William Perry “Bill” Cottingham, 73, passed away at his home in Santa Barbara, California, on April 20, 2026.

Born on March 19, 1953, in Seattle, Washington, to Robert Warren Cottingham and Roberta Jean Cottingham (née Post), Bill spent his childhood in Delaware, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and North Carolina. From an early age, he displayed a remarkable curiosity about how things worked and a lifelong passion for engineering, craftsmanship, and adventure.

Bill’s maritime engineering journey began as a young boy working alongside his father building and sailing boats. During high school, he taught sailing at the American Yacht Club in Newburyport, Massachusetts, sharing his enthusiasm for the water with others. He also developed a love of aviation, learning to fly gliders at age fourteen and earning his Student Pilot License as a teenager.

After his family relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina, Bill completed high school and went on to attend Cape Fear Technical Institute, where he earned an associate degree in Maritime Technology. He later attended Georgia Tech, graduating in 1983 with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Philosophy.

His education launched a distinguished career as an engineering consultant. Although much of his work was confidential and not something he was generally at liberty to discuss, he held positions with Harris Corporation in Melbourne, Florida, TRW in Los Angeles, California, and Measurement Analysis Corporation in Torrance, California. Throughout his career, Bill took immense pride in precision engineering, a commitment to excellence that extended well beyond his professional life.

A gifted designer and builder, Bill created two uniquely inspired homes in Santa Barbara, each reflecting his inventive spirit and attention to detail. His lifelong love of boats culminated in the design and construction of the Roberta Jean, a 43-foot steel trawler named in honor of his mother. Completed in Nova Scotia in 2012, the vessel represented the realization of a dream that had begun in childhood.

While Bill relished the freedom of living on his boat in the harbor, he was a reluctant bachelor. That changed in the spring of 2018 when he met his future bride at an Epicurean Santa Barbara winemaker event. As Bill used to say, “when preparation meets opportunity”—he seized on the moment. They were married in the Mural Room of the S.B. Courthouse on November 30, 2019.

Bill was an enthusiastic aficionado of California wines and delighted in discussing the nuanced notes of his favored GSM blends, with a special appreciation for the Paso Robles wine region— although he allowed that his brother’s enthusiasm for wines of Washington State and France might have some merit.

Those who knew Bill will remember his passionate expertise, steady kindness, and adventurous spirit. Whether designing a vessel, building a home, sailing open waters, or enjoying a glass of wine among his cherished friends, he approached life with curiosity, verve, and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship.

Bill is survived by his wife, Kristin; his brothers, Bob and Dave; four nieces; and one nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Warren and Roberta Jean Cottingham.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. A private celebration of life will be held later this month.