Robert "Bob" William Cole

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, died on April 9, 2010, after a ten year battle with congestive heart failure. Robert was born to Albert E. and Lelia N. Doty Cole on May 14, 1923, near Jefferson, Oregon. He married Anita Mae Humphreys September 27, 1945. He is survived by his wife Anita Mae; his sister Phyllis Lenaburg; his brother Donald Cole; his children: Cheryl McKee (Kirby), Deanna Bright (Dale), Candis Prouty (Greg) and Robin Cole (Patty); his grandchildren Shawn and Darby McKee, Thomas and Steven Bright, Brian Walch, Megan and Brendan Cole and ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Marjorie and Gaynell, and his infant grandson Michael Walch. He grew up working on his father and grandfather’s Willamette Valley farms. His lifelong career began in Salem, Oregon, with the Production Credit Association. He and his family moved to Spokane when he joined the Farm Credit Banks in 1960. After 37 years with the bank, he retired as a Vice President in 1986. Robert and Anita enjoyed their retirement with wonderful trips throughout the USA and many countries of the World. They spent winters in Palm Desert, and summers at their lake home on Bottle Bay at Lake Pend Oreille. Throughout the years Robert enjoyed affiliations with Junior Chamber of Commerce, Toastmasters, South Hill Senior Center, Manito Masonic Lodge #246, Scottish Rite Bodies, El Katif Shrine (Director’s Staff) and the Jesters. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church. There was nothing Dad loved more than time with family and friends, his dog Alfie, good hard work, a good book, a good drink, and a good Mariners game. He was an athlete who loved sports, whether as a participant or spectator. We were all blessed with the love of a great man who was also a great role model. The family expresses its thanks to Dr. Fuhs and Spokane Cardiology, Dr. John Floyd, Dr. Nelson Chow, and Deaconess Hospital for their excellent care of Robert. Memorials may be made to: the Shrine Hospital Travel Fund or RiteCare, 1108 W. Riverside, Spokane WA 99201 Memorial service will be held at Riplinger Funeral Home, 4305 N. Division, Friday, April 16 at 2:00 pm.