A former Iron River man who passed away on August 9 [8] at the Veterans' Administration Hospital at Wynnewood, Oklahoma was a shining example of how man's determination can help him overcome severe physical handicap, and lead a productive and normal life.
Well known to many local residents, Emil Cossette's courage and determination were cited on numerous occasions, and served as an example of what one can do despite severe handicap.
Mr. Cossette lost both hands and part of his arms in an accident on October 17, 1919, when he was 22 years of age. He was installing street lights in Iron River when he took hold of a "hot" wire.
Both hands and forearms were severly burned, and were amputated.
Hospitalized for six weeks, he showed his determination by writing a letter to his fiance before being discharged.
While many in similar circumstances would have been bitter, Cossette was cheerful and thankful that his life had been spared. He was determined to lead a normal existance even without his hands.
His life proved an inspiration to many. Following his release from the hospital, he went into business at Iron River on money he borrowed on his insurance, and later had his own business in Crystal Falls.
Asked later how he learned to eat without hands, Cossette replied, "just get hungry, then eat."
Cossette was also an enthusiastic fisherman and hunter. He spent several weeks every summer at his cabin. In order to shoot, he would strap the gun to his arm, take the trigger guard off and shoot with his other arm.
Cossette disclaimed possession of surplus will power or specialized training, explaining his dexterity this way:
"When there was something to be done, I just did it."
Many articles were written about Emil Cossette during his life. He will not be a man forgotten.
Survivors include his wife Mrs. Celeste Cossette; one daughter Mrs. Robert Scott of Houston, Texas; a brother Frank Cossette of Iron River; and four grandchildren, Robert, John, Dalton and Celeste Scott of Houston.