We are truely sorry for your loss and we share the hope that the future holds promise that we will be with Bill again. God Bless you and your family during this crisis and know that you are loved and missed by each and everyone in our family. We hold you dearly in our prayers. Mike & Bonnie

 Posted by Mike & Bonnie Cole - Easley, SC May 22, 2005

May your happy memories carry you through your time of mourning.

 Posted by Joanie Koster - Grand Rapids, MI May 22, 2005

We wish Bill's family our deepest sympathies. Bill was a friendly, kind mail carrier with a great smile. He will be missed a great deal in our Cascadia neighborhood.

 Posted by Brian and Pam Page - Grand Rapids, MI May 22, 2005

Dear Sally and family, We were shocked and saddened to hear of Bill's passing. We were fortunate to be on Bill's postal route and we looked forward to seeing him everyday. Our westies sat by the door, waiting for the mail truck to come down the street because they knew Bill would toss them treats. We will miss his smiling face! We'll keep you in our prayers. Our deepest sympathies, Ted and Barb Etheridge

 Posted by Ted and Barb Etheridge - Grand Rapids, MI May 22, 2005

To the family of Bill Cole: Bill delivered mail to my parent's on Middleboro Lane for quite some time. Recently my father was diagnosed with Alzheimers and it became necessary for us to have Bill deliver the mail at the door as opposed to the end of the street. My husband and I had to go through quite a procedure through the postal service in order to have our request granted. Bill expedited the process for us on his own and was extremely gracious in true Bill form I might addin altering his route to accomodate the needs of our elderly parents. We are deeply sorry for your loss and we wanted all of his family to know that we were grateful to have him as our parent's mail carrier. We continue to be touched by the fact that one man can make such a difference in the lives of so many families just by delivering their mail. Our prayers and thoughts are with you always. 
 Tom and Patty Sprich

 Posted by Patty and Tom Sprich - E. Grand Rapids, MI May 22, 2005

My sympathy to all of Bill's family. I am retired from the post office but will forget Bill and his never-ending smile.

 Posted by Mel Bajema - Grand Rapids, MI May 22, 2005

Our Prayers are with you & your family

 Posted by Pat & Nancy Krupp - Wyoming, MI May 22, 2005

Dear Mrs. Cole, We extend our deepest sympathies to you and your children. Bill loved his work and he went out of his way for the people on his route, especially the elderly. He took time to talk with my father, Arthur Ronda and mom and dad looked forward to his delivery each day. He was interested in others and listened to people. He never seemed to be in a hurry. He was concerned for families - for our family and his own children. He many times shared his concern for his own children that they had a tie to a worshipping community. It is interesting to read some of the other comments in the memory book. He lived his life sharing his love of people and of life with each person on his route. We pray that your faith sustains you in this difficult time and that the memories you share as a family give you reason for joy in your sorrow. Keeping you in our prayers. Paul and Jackie Bremer and Arthur and Janet Ronda

 Posted by Jacquellyn Bremer - Grand Rapids, MI May 22, 2005

Bill was a friend and fellow collector. He and Sally were mainstays with the Midwest Miniature Bottle Collectors, and mini bottles were truly a family affair with the Coles. He was gentleman and a friend. Sandy and I extend our prayers and condolences to Sally, Phil and families. We'll miss you Bill.

 Posted by Butch & Sandy Jones - Centerville, OH May 22, 2005

Sally:
 I want to offer my sympathy at the death of Bill. What a shock! He was always so friendly & nice at the Shows. He & you were the first ones there at the Mass on Sat. evening during the Show. Please know of my special prayers for Bill, you, & all your family. I will remember him in a special way during Mass. May Bill enjoy eternal life with the Lord, & may you be comforted. The Bottle Club will not be the same without him.
 With love, Fr. Joe Molloy

 Posted by Fr. Joe Molloy - Decatur, IL May 23, 2005

you will be sadly missed by the physicians and staff at Neurological Associates

 Posted by neurological associates - grand rapids, MI May 23, 2005

No one else can truly feel the sorrow that you bear- Still, may it help somehow today to know how much we care... And may it help to ease your loss and bring some comfort, too. to know our many thoughts are there in sympathy with you. Dan FLorkowski and the Michigan State Asscciation of Letter Carriers.

 Posted by Daniel L. FLorkowski - Clarkston, MI May 23, 2005

I was saddened to hear of Bill's sudden passing. As a branch officer of the NALC in Holland I had met and spent many great times with Bill while attending conventions. He will be greatly missed.

 Posted by Marvin Siefke - Holland, MI May 23, 2005

We were so shocked to hear of Bill's death. We were so blessed to have him as our letter carrier for so many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Bill's family. He will be missed.
 Internal Medicine of West Michigan Dr's Marvin, Gans, Roslaniec, Richardson, Kozak and staff.

 Posted by Internal Medicine of West Mich. - Grand Rapids, MI May 23, 2005

Our prayers and thoughts are with you

 Posted by Tom & Kathy Maslowski - wyoming, MI May 23, 2005

I have fond memories at St. Pius X. Sally, I'll keep you in my prayers.
 Sincerely, Jeff Larabel Fellow Parishioner and Postal Employee

 Posted by Jeff Larabel - Jenison, MI May 23, 2005

Dear Sally: So very sorry to hear about your husband's death, it was a real surprise. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Jack & Marilyn Zwart

 Posted by Jack & Marilyn Zwart - Newaygo, MI May 23, 2005

My heartfelt sympathy to Bill's family on this tragic loss. Bill was a superior carrier and a true gentleman. I am richer by just working with and knowing Bill at Wyoming quite a while ago. Bill Masters

 Posted by Bill Masters - Rockford, MI May 23, 2005

Our deepest sympathy to Bill's family. He was an exceptional mail carrier, a caring person, and fun to have a conversation with. We will miss him and can only imagine how difficult this is for you.

 Posted by Terry and Sandi Bacon - Grand Rapids, MI May 23, 2005

We were so sorry to hear about Bill. He was an excellent letter carrier and caring friend. We had many conversations over the years and his smile always brightened our day. He will be sorely missed by us and everyone in our neighborhood. Please share our condolences with his family. Sincerely, Barbara and Norman Kravitz, Greenwich Street NE

 Posted by Norman and Barbara Kravitz - Grand Rapids, MI May 23, 2005

Diane and I and our dog Boone will so miss Bill. What a wonderful, kind, and generous man! And a terrific mail carrier too. We were blessed to know him the past four years. Our most sincere condolences to Sally and the entire Cole family. Bill and Diane Baxter

 Posted by Bill and Diane Baxter - Grand Rapids, MI May 23, 2005

My husband has already spoken for us, but I have to say I feel I have lost a very close friend. I chatted with Bill almost every day for at least 5 minutes because Boone, my little dog, always started crying when Bill was on the other side of the street. I would let him out to wait for Bill to get to our side to give him a biscuit. I would go out when he got to our mailbox. We talked France, WW11, football, and flowers. It was one of the highlights of Boone and my day, no matter what the weather. I hope the Turtlehead and the Japanese Anemone grow for you, Sally, as I would like to think something I gave him looks pretty for you. We loved him. Diane on Midland

 Posted by Diane Baxter - Grand Rapids, MI May 23, 2005

suzie mackeigan and i live at 215 morningside and have enjoyed Bill's joy of living and love of people for a number of years. he would constantly surprise us with special service..if we were away, he would put the mail in our garage...large packages were delivered to the door or put around back of the house...a true professional and lovely person...may the memory of of his love of life keep you strong...john mackeigan

 Posted by john mackeigan - grand rapids, MI May 23, 2005

Rather a blade of grass, a tree, two-legged, four-legged, winged ones or finned ones, we all leave at an unreasonable appointed time. They are not gone, but much more a part of each of us while we continue our own travels. What is in store beyond our sight is a new gathering. While we each await, take compfort to know All My Relations!!!! IndianRon & Katie

 Posted by Ron Spradling - Springfield, MO May 23, 2005

Bill will be sadly missed. I enjoyed working with him. My prayers and thoughts are with him and his family.

 Posted by Robert Harrington - Grand Rapids, MI May 24, 2005

Dear Sally, I was so shocked to hear about Bill when I called Mom from Florida on Saturday. Please accept my hearfelt sympathy and know my prayers are with you and your family, including Marv and Sandy. You all will miss him very much. Love, Linda

 Posted by Linda Zwart-Priebe - Grand Rapids, MI May 24, 2005

As a newer PTF carrier. Bill was always willing to help or guide me with any questions I had. Bill always joked that i would only have a route like his in my dreams. I am very sorry for your loss and may your family find comfort in this time of sorrow.

 Posted by jered andrus - wyoming, MI May 24, 2005

William has been our mail carrier for many years and we have enjoyed him so much.
 We were saddened to learn of his death.
 Our thoughts are with your family at this time.
 Sincerely,
 Don and Dona-Jean Souter

 Posted by Don and Dona-Jean Souter - Grand Rapids, MI May 24, 2005

We live on Middleboro Lane NE. Bill has been our carrier, and what a caring, considerate, thoughtful human being he was. During the past year, while recovering from knee surgery, he always took time to ask how I was doing. And he took great pride in his work and did it so well. I can't imagine what your family is going through. God bless. Marjorie Roegge

 Posted by Marjorie Roegge - Grand Rapids, MI May 24, 2005

Bill has been a part of our neighborhood since we moved here 12 years ago. He often talked with me about his garden. We will miss him a lot. Our deepest sympathy to all his family.

 Posted by Jade and Ed VanderVelde - Grand Rapids, MI May 24, 2005

I worked at the ALAM office and Bill delivered our mail. He was so kind, thoughtful, and his mail delivery was a bright spot to my day. My sympathy is with his family during this time. He will be missed.

 Posted by Julie McCallum - Burnips, MI May 24, 2005

I want to thank all the wonderful people who have signed the guestbook for my father. He indeed was a wonderful man and I will miss him deeply. Just know that he loved all of his fellow friends and patrons on his route, he thought a lot of all of you. But his memory will live on in my little son Tyler, who looks a lot like his "Bompa Cole" same smile and laugh!! I thank God for that!!

 Posted by Michelle Vanden Berge - Wyoming, MI May 24, 2005

Patty, Samantha, Charlie and I have fond memories of Bill as our mail carrier at 3118 Midland, SE. Always friendly, ready with a smile, helpful and dependable. Bill would go out of his way to deliver a package to the door. I enjoyed our "chats" and everyone looked forward to Bill "comin' 'round the corner" like clockwork. He will be missed. Respectfully, Greg Rhodes.

 Posted by Greg Rhodes - Grand Rapids, MI May 25, 2005

To the family of Bill Cole:
 My husband and I have resided on Middleboro for 34 years and I can promise you this, there has never been a mail carrier more likeable than Bill. Bill was punctual,reliable and genuine in every way. His constant acts of kindness never went unnoticed. I think I can speak for all of us who were lucky enough to have known him he will be sincerely missed. 
 Respectfully,
 Stuart and Jean Vor Broker

 Posted by Stuart and Jean Vor Broker - Grand Rapids, MI May 25, 2005

Dear Mrs. Cole and Family
 What a wonderful man. Bill did so much for so many people and never asked for anything in return.
 Bill had been our mail carrier "forever" here on Greenwich Road and we will never forget the frequent, friendly chats with him.
 We fondly remember giving him an American Flag and seeing his pride and love for all it represents. And we recall his chrished memories of his visits with family in France.
 His love for his country and family touched us deeply as did his obvious concern and care for all of us on his route.
 We will always miss him!

 Posted by Tom and Mary Loupee - grand rapids, MI May 25, 2005

Sally and family, I was shocked to hear of Bills death this Wednesday Evening. He was a good carrier, though I think I only carried with him 2 or 3 times when I was a PTF. He was a very dedicated branch officer and I enjoyed serving with him for the 6 years that I did. I will put your famiy in my prayers, and I will keep his memory alive when I see new carriers starting, I will try to remember to let them know about Bill and what a good friend he was to everyone, and how much he cared about Branch 56. May God Bless you all Tom

 Posted by Tom Cross - Comstock Park, MI May 25, 2005

Bill was the one who delivered the mail to Languages International. We always knew when he came through the door, as everyone in the office could hear his hearty "GOOD MORNING!" Then if we couldn't get to the front desk to talk with him, we knew when he left as we all heard his hearty "HAVE A GOOD DAY!" While I am sure our mail will be delivered faithfully after Bill, there will never be anyone with Bill's style. We at Languages International will miss him.

 Posted by Beverly Wall - Grand Rapids, MI May 26, 2005

Bill will be missed by the Bissell family a great deal. We were so fortunate to have him as our mail carrier for the last 12 plus years. He was a big part of our days and an important part of our lives. 
 Bill was such a kind and caring man. He always payed attention to our dogs. They loved when the mail truck would come down the street. Our old dog Duke would start barking the minute he saw Bill, waiting in anticipation for a treat and a pet. When Duke died I remember sending Bill a note. I wasn't sure he received it and I went to the Post Office to talk to him. He had left for the day, but the people at the station said he had shown them the note. He was sad that Duke had died suddenly, an old friend and greeter. DJ, our other dog, would have to carry on.
 We often chatted with Bill about his love of collecting minature cognac bottles. He must have an unbelievable collection. We often searched in foreign airport duty-free shops for Bill. We had a hard time finding bottles he didn't already have. He looked for specific bottles from certain countries. He was a true collector in every way.
 Bill did more than just deliver mail. He watched out for us. I remember receiving a letter from Florida one time and Bill questioned it saying that we hadn't received anything from this address before and that it seemed strange. It made us feel good to know he was paying such close attention. 
 Our stories of our friendship with Bill will live forever in our minds and our hearts. Greenwich Road will miss our wonderful friend.
 Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. It must be comforting to know he was loved by so many people. With love, Cathy, Mark, Alissandra, Max and Meric DJ Bissell

 Posted by Cathy Bissell - grand rapids, MI May 27, 2005

Jim and I send our condolenses to Bill's family. We are deeply saddened to loose our friend Bill who was such a spark to our day when he delivered our mail to Greenwich Road. Our dog Trooper is missing him as well. Trooper was one of the so very lucky dogs to receive treats from Bill.
 Know that our thoughts are with you all as you face this difficult days of missing your husband, father and friend. 
 Bill was such a special friend to so many and he is in our prayers.
 Twink Frey, Jim McKay and Trooper

 Posted by Twink Frey, Jim McKay - Grand Rapids, MI May 29, 2005

OBITUARY

William Andre Cole

January 13, 1947 – May 20, 2005

Cook Funeral and Cremation Services

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