Whitefoord Russell Cole III

He was born in Louisville, KY on November 17, 1934, the son of the late Whitefoord Russell Cole, Jr. and Helen Moore Cole. Tragically his grandfather Whitefoord Russell Cole, retired president of the L&N railroad, died the day his grandson was born. Whitefoord was educated at the Asheville School in North Carolina and Harvard College, graduating in 1957. After college he joined the naval reserve, where he served for 4 years and he earned a master’s degree in Library Science at the University of Rhode Island. He married Lillian Bean, enjoying 35 years of marriage and sharing many adventures together, including extensive travel. Lillian died in 2012.

Whit was an enthusiastic collector of many things, including ancient coins, railroad memorabilia, books, taxidermy and especially antique weapons. His musket collection could have armed a colonial militia. He wrote many articles for armory enthusiasts on the subject. He also acted as a financial advisor to select clients. Whit had a whimsical sense of humor, and relied on his Harvard degree in classics to write notes in ancient Greek in the margins of books in his collection on articles he read.

He is survived by his cousins, Adam G. N. Moore of Exeter, NH, Hester Moore Brooks of Concord, MA, Mary Alice Barry of Novato, CA, and John Whitney of El Cajon, CA. He leaves a legacy of fond memories with his friends and the caregivers who helped him in his final years.

There will be visiting hours at his condominium at 45 Longwood Ave. Brookline on Tuesday, May 27 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Donations in his memory can be sent to Harvard College at: President and Fellows of Harvard College, 124 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge, MA 02138.