Bradley Donald Cool

CMSGT Bradley D. Cool, 72, of Granite Falls, passed away April 26th, 2015. Bradley is survived by his wife, Gladys Festa Cool; sons, Donald Cool (Melanie) and Daniel Cool (Kathryn); daughter Catherine Cool (Casey Vermillion); Grandsons, Bradley, Joseph, Jase, and two step-grandchildren Megan and Matthew. Also survived by 5 brothers, 3 sisters, and many nieces and nephews among other family and friends.

Bradley was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His Father, Donald Cool and Mother, Norma Beckett moved to Granite Falls, Washington when he was 3 ½ years old. He graduated from Granite Falls High School in 1961, and promptly joined the United States Air Force. He gave 30 years in service to his country as a Russian linguist, intelligence specialist and RC-135 Aircrew Member. He retired in 1991 as an E-9, Chief Master Sergeant with an Associates Degree in Arts and Sciences. He also worked 9 ½ years for the City of Everett as a Parking Enforcement Officer, then retired to spend time with his family and work on his land.

During his military service, Bradley met his wife, Gladys-who was from Bothell, Washington, in the American Embassy in Moscow, where she worked as a Secretary. They returned to the United States together to start his next assignment and their family. They traveled to many states while he was in the service and ended up in Alaska, not the first time, where he retired and then moved to his home town of Granite Falls.

“Chief” as he was well known by, loved hunting/fishing and poker, but most generally the Great Outdoors. He was a leader and teacher/mentor and well-respected by many of the military people who knew him. He is also fondly remembered by many people in the civilian world with whom he worked or knew him as a friend/family. He traveled the world while he was in the service but always returned back to either his home town of Granite Falls or the beautiful tundra of Alaska.

We ask all who knew him to join us at his Memorial, Saturday, May 2nd at 3PM. The service will be held at Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home, 804 State St, Marysville. Reception at his home immediately following, 22829 Scotty Rd, Granite Falls.