David Franklin Cole

David Franklin Cole was a man of few words, a quiet way and a gentle heart. We called him Dad, his three grandchildren called him Papa and all the kids he mentored at Bethlehem Church, as a youth parent or the Scout leader, they called him Mr. Cole. Everyone knew Dave Cole because his wife of 63 years… knew everyone. Dave Cole was a hunter, an avid fisherman, an outdoorsman and most of all a Christian. He served his Lord in many facets. He was the family shepherd, the neighborhood Patriarch, a church leader and a friend to many. Dad volunteered to pick up food from local grocery stores in his trusty truck “Hank”. Twice a week, he loaded up Hank, stopping at our local Marysville food banks, taking note of each one’s needs.

Growing up our childhood was tethered to hiking, camping, fishing and hunting the wilds of the Pacific Northwest. Dad was either running the ski boat, pulling a horse trailer, or setting up base camp for our family hunts. Later in life, he enlisted the help of his grandchildren to pull up the crab pots, or pull in the anchor line. Everyone had their job to do when working with Papa. He was a hands on kind of guy. The best way to learn something is to do it yourself, make mistakes, but never be too proud to ask for help fixing them.

Dad was a man of many talents. He consistently earned Diamond level status as a Pharmaceutical Salesman for Marion Merrell Dow/Hoecht Roushelle. Dad traveled the Pacific Northwest from Seattle to Wenatchee, from Port Angeles to Bellingham, calling on Doctors all across Washington State. Everyone knew about the guy in the suit with a fishing pole, or the guy scoping out new territory for hunting season in Eastern Washington in the company car. Dad knew all the backroads, watering holes, best spot where the humpies were hiding, and where to put the crab pots for a great haul. I’m not sure why he like chasing the steelhead. He always complained about how cold it was, and yet there he was, hoping for one more big catch.

Yes, we will miss his quiet way and gentle heart, but his final days began with a tremendous struggle of health challenges. He did not complain, but remained steadfast in faith, that his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, would deliver him from his suffering. Easter Sunday came, and Jesus called his name in the wee hours of Easter Monday. How fitting that this man of God, would close his eyes Easter Sunday night, and open his eyes Easter Monday morning surrounded by his family in heaven. I’m quite sure our brother Dene Cole, who preceded him in death, had a big camp fire burning bright. His father and mother, Frank and Oletta Cole were there to greet him, as were the rest of our Washington State pioneer family.

Dave Cole is survived by his wife of 63 years, Linda Cole, Dave’s brother Larry Cole and their children, Kristie Cole Jakeman her husband Captain William Jakeman, David’s son Randy Cole and his wife Stacy Cole. David’s grandchildren Hailey Renee Minzghor, her husband Jake, their children Parker and Coby. Naval Aviator, Lt JG William Jakeman III, Marissa K Morgan, her husband Brad Morgan, expecting their first child this October 2026. The family will have a celebration of life tbd. Most of all, David would want to be remembered as a man of Faith, a good husband, a great father, and a very much loved Grandfather. It’s never good bye, it’s see you later. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. We love you Dad.