Donald Kennedy Cole

Donald Kennedy Cole was born in Salt Lake City, Utah to Douglas Bennion Cole and Myrti Kennedy Cole. He grew up in Ely, Nevada. It is in this small mining town that Don grew to be a man of integrity, respected for his intellect and athletic ability.

Don earned a full academic and athletic (baseball) scholarship from Santa Clara University. Don graduated in 1954, with honors, in Economics. In that same year Don married Verna Brooks and received a commission in the army. Thus Verna accompanied Don on his tour of duty to Germany. A highlight while stationed in Germany, 1955, Don pitched in a championship game at Soldiers Field, the very grounds where Hitler held his gigantic youth and military rallies. The Baltimore Orioles offered him a contract, which he turned down. While in Nuremberg, 1956, his treasured daughter Sherryl, was born. Next step on life’s journey Don went to work as an economist for the State of California. After two years of working on revenue estimates for the state budget with the Department of Finance, he transferred to the Department of Water Resources. He remained there for the duration of his 33 year career. During that period he was “loaned out” to other agencies including a two year stint in then Governor Reagan’s Office of Planning and Research.

Don pursued many versatile interests including season tickets for the Sacramento Kings, Broadway Sacramento, the Music Circus, and Ashland Shakespeare Festival. There was skiing at their cabin in Bear Valley; playing golf, tennis, and bowling. When Don was 63 he bowled a 300 game in league. He carried a 200+ average for many years. The highlight for him was writing in the bowling league’s newsletter. In retirement, he joined Verna and friends Sacramento State to participate in the Renaissance Program.

Preceded in death by his sister Virginia Hess and his brother Jerry. His written epistles, original Christmas cards, humor, and determination will be missed by his wife of 70 years, Verna; his daughter, Sherryl; his grandson, John-Cole Hall (Stacey); three great-grandchildren; godchildren; nieces and nephews.

Don was a generous supporter of various causes. If you wish to donate in his memory to your favorite charity or Salvation Army 2550 Alhambra Blvd. Sacramento CA 95817-1023, Shriners Northern California 2425 Stockton Blvd. Sacramento CA 95817, Renaissance Society Sacramento State University 6000 J St. Sacramento, CA 95819.