Eric Dean Cole

Eric was born on May 14, 1956, in Portland, Oregon, to Clifford and Mary Cole. He graduated from Benson Polytechnic High School in 1974 and proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force. Following his honorable discharge, Eric continued his education at ITT Technical Institute, where he earned an Associate of Applied Science in Electronic Engineering Technology and later a Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Technology in 1984.

Eric spent many years working as a welder/fitter for Zidell. Earlier in his career, he worked as a laser operator for P&A Metal Fab, Inc., and as a Research and Development Engineer for OECO. He was known for his strong work ethic, his distinctive laugh, and his fun-loving personality.

Eric deeply enjoyed adventure with his family. Some of his favorite memories included four-wheeling in Yellowstone National Park, taking an Alaskan cruise, participating in shooting classes with Front Sight in Las Vegas, vacationing in Cabo San Lucas, as well as making cherished trips to the Oregon coast with his beloved wife. Eric also loved geocaching and delighted in teaching his grandchildren the art of finding hidden treasure, turning each search into a lesson in curiosity, patience, and fun. He was a proud veteran and a staunch supporter of all branches of the United States military.

Eric was also a gifted, self-taught musician. He taught himself to play the guitar and developed a deep love for bluegrass music, both playing and singing the songs he cherished. His passion for the genre led him to serve as a radio host with Worldwide Bluegrass, where he shared and curated his favorite bluegrass selections for a wide audience of listeners.

A man of strong faith, Eric was a devoted servant of the Lord Jesus Christ and faithfully followed services from his church, Cornerstone Chapel in Leesburg, Virginia. He was an avid reader of the Bible and enjoyed studying the works of other biblical authors as he sought to deepen his knowledge of and relationship with the Lord. In his quieter moments, he found joy in tending his garden and lovingly caring for his cherished roses.

Eric is survived by his wife, Nancy Cole; his children, Raquel Whatley, Danielle Anders, Bridget Therrien, and Noah Cole; his grandchildren, Skylar Whatley, Sophia Therrien, Luke Whatley, Vincent Cole, Isaac Cole, and Rose Cole; his mother, Mary Cole; and his brothers, Glen Cole, Mark Cole, and Scot Cole. He was preceded in death by his father, Clifford Cole.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home, 520 W. Powell Blvd., Gresham, Oregon 97030. Burial will follow at Willamette National Cemetery. Military honors will be rendered in recognition of Eric’s honorable service to his country.

Eric Cole will be remembered with love, faith, music, and respect by all who knew him.

His favorite passage of Scripture was

The Lord’s Prayer

(King James Version)

“Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power,

and the glory, for ever. Amen.”

(Matthew 6:9–13, KJV)