Robert’s Obituary Robert E. Cole passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 19, at Discovery Memory Care. He was 86. Bob was born, in Port Angeles, on September 7, 1932, to Mark and Mary Cole.
He graduated from high school, in 1950, and enlisted in the Navy. He spent most of his service time at Barbers Point NAS on Oahu, Hawaii. Bob enjoyed the Navy a lot and was considering making that his career, but while home on leave he took a temporary job in sales at Peoples Department Store and discovered his true calling.
He loved helping people so sales came naturally to him and he wound up spending 20 years in the furniture and appliance department at Peoples. For a while, he owned the local REA Express, delivering packages, but he came back to sales. After a few years, with Prudential Insurance, selling both insurance and securities, he went to work for Olympic Paper, probably his favorite job.
At the same time he was investing in real estate, particularly in rental housing, to create a secure retirement for himself. He married Roberta Ween and they had three children. Bob loved the outdoors, primarily fishing in any form, but also hiking and exploring.
He shared this with his children, often getting them up early for the morning “bite”. One of his best days was going on a long trail ride on his motorcycle with his sons and riding buddies. Finding a “secret” hiking trail to a remote beach was a highlight.
Boating was another passion whether it was fishing in the straits or kayaking on a river or remote lake. After more than 20 years, he and Roberta divorced but always remained friends. In 1978, he married Berit Hankins and they had a wonderful life together, filled with travel and adventure.
Bob was able to take an early retirement and that expanded his adventures. He found he really loved to travel and together they visited more than 20 countries and a good part of the US. For many years, they went to Cabo and Hawaii every winter.
The most perfect place for them was the Bogachiel River where they bought property and spent much of every summer. They built a separate cabin so they could have children and grandchildren come and stay. Those were the best days.
Along with floating the river in every type of rubber float, there was kayaking and hiking into beaches. Every night ended with a big fire outside and endless games of cards and monopoly and stories. At the age of 75 Bob was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
He accepted that with optimism and grace and for the next ten years, Bob and Berit continued to travel and enjoy life; the last Hawaii trip was just two years ago. When it became too hard to make long trips, he still enjoyed shorter, local trips. Watching the children play down by the pier was a favorite.
But eventually the disease robbed him of that too, and nine months ago he went to live at Discovery Memory Care. We will be forever grateful for the love and compassion they showed him, even when he could no longer walk or communicate, they made sure that there was love and laughter surrounding him. Bob is survived by Berit, his wife of 40 years; sons Steve (Faye) of Port Orchard, David (Denise) of Redmond; daughter Brenda (Darren) Gilchrist of Port Angeles; stepsons, Robert (Rachel) Hankins of Seattle, Brian Hankins of Port Angeles; and stepdaughter, Linda (Jeff) Capps of Port Angeles.
There are nine grandchildren and one great-grandson. Also surviving is nephew, Scott (Shereen) Anderson of Shoreline. He was predeceased by his parents; sister, Shirley Anderson; and grandson, Kyle Cole.
A memorial service will be held in the banquet room of the Crab House restaurant at 1PM on Saturday, February 2nd. We all know Bob was a wonderful story teller, we hope people will have a story to share about him. The family requests that any contributions be made to Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County, 540 E. 8th St., Port Angeles, 98362.
Drennan & Ford Funeral Home in Port Angeles was entrusted with his arrangements. Please sign the online guestbook for his family at www. drennanford.com.
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