Robert V. Cole

Robert Vernon "Bob" Cole, 95, longtime Cle Elum resident, passed away at his home on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at Laurel Hill Memorial Park in Cle Elum.

Bob began his long lifetime adventure in San Diego, California on June 17, 1928 when he was welcomed by his parents S.W. ‘Rusty” & Louise (Anderson) Cole. A year later the family was joined by his sister Louise “Bebe” Cole.

Soon thereafter, Bob’s mother moved them to his grandparent’s home in Sumner, Washington. He spent most of his younger years there, graduating from Sumner High School in 1946. He was heavily involved in athletics during High School.

After graduation, he joined the US Army and spent his tour of duty as a Military Policeman in Inchon, Korea. Upon his discharge he entered Washington State College (now Washington State University) in Pullman, Washington. Bob was active in athletics and made the basketball squad under Coach Jack Friel.

He left college and moved to Moses Lake, Washington, joining his family in the retail shoe business. Bob took the opportunity to become a salesman in the wholesale beer industry and remained there for over 30 years.

He met his first wife June Halstead in Moses Lake. Together they raised four children, a daughter Denice, and three sons, Randy, Preston and Kurt. They separated after 30 years.

Bob’s strong interest in athletics prompted him to begin a successful 40-year career as a college and high school basketball official. During that time, he was selected to work the Washington State High School Championship games in all Classifications. Over 50 years ago, Bob was the motivating force in establishing the Columbia Basin Officials Association which still serves that area today.

Bob was also deeply involved in competitive fast pitch softball. He was recognized as one of the top pitchers in the Northwest. During that period, he led his Yakima Team to three State Titles.

After retiring from the beer business, he moved to his summer home in Roslyn, Washington and began a new successful career in the Real Estate industry that lasted another 25 years. Bob met his life’s true love, Ida, in Cle Elum. Together they enjoyed a very happy and blessed life together. He was a long time parishioner of the St John Baptist Catholic Church in Cle Elum.

Bob was an avid hunter and began elk hunting at the age of 15. His interest never waned in over 70 years. Six very close friends always joined him at the elk camp he founded west of Yakima. Steve Tregellas is the only remaining member not in the “Happy Hunting Grounds”

Bob’s daughter Denise and grandson Brian preceded him in death. He leaves behind his loving wife Ida, and a large, combined family of loved ones.

Bob wanted to share these final thoughts with all his loving family and friends, “Please don’t be sad, you have blessed my wonderful life. Thanks for the memories and I’ll leave the light on for you”.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Cle Elum.