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Lakewood High School Hillsdale College University of Colorado

FUNERAL HOME

East Lawn Palms Mortuary & Cemetery

5801 East Grant Road

Tucson, Arizona

Garry Cole Obituary

Garry Cole 67, much beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly on Friday, May 2, 2014 at home. Born in Denver to Kenny and Winnie Cole, he graduated from Lakewood High School in 1964, graduated from the University of Colorado with honors. Garry's primary career in Civil Engineering began with Bechtel Corporation in San Francisco in1968. His natural aptitude for business and engineering led him to take a job offer from Shurtleff & Andrews Corporation in Salt Lake City in 1971. His unparalleled work ethic and dedication to his job helped him rise to the position of President. The company successfully participated in building many steel structures, especially power plants, across the U.S. from Florida, to Alaska and Hawaii. Under his leadership the company grew to be the top steel erecting business in the country. Exceptionally gifted, Garry was born to be an engineer and fulfilled his dream. After forty years he retired and began attending Hillsdale College to study under Victor Davis Hanson. Garry and his family built, owned and managed two resorts in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Garry was a loyal and true friend who helped many people. He was greatly admired for his honesty, integrity, generosity and work ethic. He was deeply interested in cooking, soccer, politics, traveling and history. He was most passionate about his grandchildren. Garry is survived by wife, Ellen of forty-seven years; son, Sean (Napa); daughter, Lara; son, Matthew; two grandchildren, Sylas and Kiara; brother, Randy Cole; and friend, Mauricio Frascino who lived with Garry and his family for nearly twenty-five years. A private family service will be held. Condolences may be offered at www.eastlawnpalmsmortuary.com In lieu of flowers, donations in Garry's honor may be made to Hillsdale College (www.hillsdale.edu/support/donate) Special thanks to Sylas who greatly assisted in writing Garry's obituary.

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Published by Arizona Daily Star on May 11, 2014.

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May 18, 2014

gary gave me career oppertunities that i could not have had . much of my success in life is a result of our relationship . his loyal friendship will be missed all the days of my life. thank you all for shareing him. im so sorry for your loss. rodney sellers boilermaker local 105

May 16, 2014

Ellie:
What a shock it was to read that Garry has passed away. I shall never forget what great friends you both were to me many years ago, and the total commitment Garry had to the players on his soccer team.
Mike Mitchell

May 14, 2014

Condolences to Mr. Cole's family. Cherish the wonderful memories that was created. May the 'God of all comfort' comfort you during this time.

May 13, 2014

Ellen and family, very sorry to see Gary's obituary in the Salt Lake Tribune. Reading the obituary it shows he had an amazing life. Offering our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Sincerely, Sandra & Charlie Zoolakis - Salt Lake City next door neighbors.

Jace Pearson

May 12, 2014

Ellie and Family: Although I have never met any of you, I had the privilege of working with Garry from 1980 until he retired from Shurtleff & Andrews a couple of years ago. My favorite memory of Garry was from July, 2010 when he gave three underwriters and me a tour of the Prairie State project. Garry didn't break a sweat running us up and down the two towers while the rest of were soaked and gasping for air. That's why we were all so very shocked when we learned of Garry's passing. I also enjoyed my trips to Togwotee, where I "had" to perform a site risk analysis. Garry always expressed his appreciation when one did his or her job right, and rewarded us with his loyalty. I didn't think Garry could really ever retire completely from the job he was so dedicated to, but I'm glad he did so that you had a few years with him just to yourselves. I keep the attached picture on my wall to remind me of that hot July afternoon in 2010 and how inspired I was by Garry's ability to get things done right.

Tasha Carson Curry

May 12, 2014

So very sad. He was the reason I went to college and stayed in college. He knew every answer in Trivial Pursuit. Made a perfectly crisp salad. Made my dad laugh. I admired him so much. You and Garry were a rock in very uncertain times...thank you.

Randy Clark

May 11, 2014

Dear Ellie, Sean, Laura and Matt,
I am so deeply sorrow to hear about Garry. I want you all to know how thankful I am to have known him and what a postiive influenced Garry had in my life. He not only pushed us to excel in soccer but he set an impecable example of good sportsmanship, generousity and how to be successful in life. I can hear his laugh as we talked while traveling to a tournament. Elllie - remember all those U turns in the van. I will be forever grateful for those years of playing soccer and I often think back with very fond memories of that time in my life.

May 11, 2014

Ellie, I'm so sorry to hear about Garry, he was a great men and a friend when be became my assistant with the Eagles Soccer Club, when Sean and Paul were just 14 years old. Garry and I put Utah Youth Soccer on the map when we started AAA Youth Soccer. I also enjoyed working with you as the District 3 Chairman, you did a marvelous job over those years. Just very recently I lost Jo Ann due to MS as well. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Ben Vandenhazel (Salt Lake City, Utah)

May 11, 2014

To Garry's family: I didn't know Garry, but Ned Shurtleff was my father. Ned spoke often of Garry, what a good man he was, and all that he accomplished to help Shurtleff and Andrews be a successful company. Sorry to hear of his passing. He will be missed by many. Sincerely, Judy Carter

John de Jong

May 11, 2014

Our deepest sympathy to all of you for such a great loss.
The deJong family

Mauricio Frascino

May 11, 2014

One of the brightest, most loyal friend and generous person I have ever met in my life.

He will always be admired for his integrity, honesty and work ethic. I have learned so much from him and I feel so blessed to be part of his life.

Rick Hadlock

May 11, 2014

Elle, I think of Garry and you often whenever I pass your former house in Sandy. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Garry was an outstanding mentor to all the boys on the Hawks soccer team which he coached with dedication. He was a wonderful example to these young men of how they can live dignified, honorable and fulfilling lives. Our best wishes and thanks are extended to both of you. Rick & Sylvia Hadlock

Brandon Naylor

May 9, 2014

Elle, Sean, Lara, Matthew and family, we express our very sincere and heartfelt love to each of you. Garry marked each of our lives in a tremendous way. What an example of humility, refinement, integrity, great judgement, graciousness, charity... the list goes on! Truly the best of the best. He was and continues to be a father figure and example in many of our lives because of how he lived his. We are ever grateful for him and for you Elle. May God bless each of you at this very difficult time. We love you! Most sincerely, Brandon & Wendy Naylor

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