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Virgil Poole Obituary

VIRGIL POOLE Virgil "Corky" Poole, 71, of Las Vegas, passed away June 7, 2010. He was born Sept. 25, 1938, in Las Vegas, to Virgil and Thelma Poole. A native Nevadan, Corky grew up in Jean, was educated at the Goodsprings Elementary School, was the first male graduate of Rancho High School in 1957, and received his BS degree from UNLV (known as Nevada Southern University) in 1962. Corky served as the student body president while attending UNLV. He later earned his master's degree in education from Northern Arizona University. He retired from teaching in 1993 to enjoy time with his family. Corky married his high school sweetheart, Bobbie Sue Reed, and they spent the next 51 years together building a family. Together, they had two children, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Corky was an educator and coach to many during his 31 years working for the Clark County School District. He taught at K.O. Knudsen, Roy Martin, Valley High School and Vo-Tech. He loved sports and coaching and was involved in baseball, tennis, swimming and cross country, but his greatest passion was coaching basketball. Corky was given the gift of life in 1994 when he was fortunate enough to receive a liver transplant. This led to Corky's involvement with Champions of Organ Sharing (COS) as a way to give back for the sacrifice that was made for him to receive additional years of life. During Corky's retirement years, he enjoyed traveling with his wife in their motor home, supervising student teachers at UNLV, participating in Gideons, was a board member for the Goodsprings Historical Society and enjoyed taking care of his grandchildren. Corky was inducted into the UNLV Hall of Fame as part of the first basketball team. He loved teaching kids, helping people and enjoyed attending all of his grandchildren's many activities. Corky is survived by his wife, of 51 years, Bobbie; daughter, Ann (John) Sunstrum; grandchildren, Jordan, Kayla, Tom, Nicole, Ashley, Courtney and Tyler; eight great-grandchildren; sisters, Patricia Poole and Barbara (John) Olson; sister-in-law, Jo Ann (Francis) Chapman; mother-in-law, Stella Reed; aunt, Lila Combs; uncle, George Handy; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Corky was preceded in death by his son, Michael; parents, Virgil and Thelma Poole; and father-in-law, Robert Reed. A memorial celebration of Corky's life will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 24, at Green Valley Baptist Church, 270 N. Valle Verde Drive, Henderson, NV 89074. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Champions of Organ Sharing, 1109 Woodbridge Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89108, or to Gideons International, P.O. Box 91343, Henderson, NV 89009.

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Published by Las Vegas Review-Journal on Jun. 14, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Virgil Poole

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Jim DiPietro

May 26, 2011

We were just reminiscing about Coach Poole on FB and I found this memorial page. I was saddened when the death of Coach was shared with me. I was also sad that I was unable to return to Las Vegas for the memorial last summer as I was on staff at the Boy Scouts National Jamboree in Virginia. Coach Poole always had time for students and spent a lot of time talking to me about my situation at home. I always enjoyed PE with Coach at Vo-Tech and he put up with me tagging along during pre-season conditioning with the basketball team (but I never played on the team). The world is truly a better place because of the many lives Coach touched in his lifetime, not just in school but wherever he went. SNVTC '77

Michael Heath

October 4, 2010

I am grateful to have had the pleasure of talking to Mr. Poole several years on the phone. The reason for the call was to thank him for his guidance back in 1984. He was my Theater Arts teacher at Vo-Tech for three years. Besides landing me my very first job in 1983, as the voice of a Robot for Helldorado Days, he encouraged me to pursue a career in the entertainment field, where I am today. Somehow he knew. Anytime that I seemed to stray, he'd give me that look, and you all know that look. Wordless, slight smile, gentle nod, almost as if he was reading my mind. He pointed me in the right direction and I can never thank him enough for doing so. In the phone conversation we had, I made sure that I did. I wanted him to know that his work wasn't wasted. And not for me alone. I know that there are countless people out there just like me, with Mr. Poole's hand on my shoulder. Past, present, and future.

Cindy Chappell

July 22, 2010

I'm so happy we were able to reunite. Corky was a wonderful grandfather to my son and will always be remembered and missed by many.

Tony Wittig

July 20, 2010

Coach Poole and Mr. Buckwalter tried in vain to have me play on the b-ball team during my senior year. I was working 3-11 full time and enjoyed the money. He kept in touch with me to see if I was getting enough sleep and to check on my grades. I knew he was concerned with me being successful
and graduating
Tony Wittig
Vo-tech 73-75

Jimmy May

July 17, 2010

Dear Bobbie,

You and all that loved Corky are in my thoughts and prayers. Thirty three years ago, I was a first year teacher and coach in the CCSD; you both were kind, caring and an inspiration to me. You were the perfect couple and a role model to so many. Thank you!

Virginia Crook

July 10, 2010

Dear Bobbie,
Today I received the sad news. You and Corky enriched my life while I was in Las Vegas. With joy, love, guidance, leadership you pulled me into the Vo-Tech family and even induced me to become the Cheerleaders' Sponsor... and to earn my Master's Degree. So, you know you two have been and always will be a part of my life. I cry for you and Ann and your family. Feel me hold you close to my heart.

Don Logerwell

July 1, 2010

I was one of the players on the original UNLV (then known as Nevada Southern) basketball team, 1958-59. Corky was our team manager, bus driver and good friend to all of us. He was always there to help whenever we asked and his glorious smile would light the room even when, as we often did, we were losing. Like many of the others who played on that team, I was so very lucky to see Corky last year when we gathered for our 50th reunion. I only wish I had taken the time then to thank him for all he did for me and the rest of us. Rest in peace, good friend.

Jerry Strickland

July 1, 2010

He was a great man. He will always be remember by me. Very sad to hear that we lost a great teacher and basketball coach.

I would be at the memorial but I had already made plans to be out of town.

Jerry Strickland Vo-Tech Class of 1991

June 23, 2010

Mr. Poole was a wonderful teacher, great basketball coach and an inspiration to his students. My condolences to his many loved ones.

A.L.C.
Vo-Tech 76-78

Tom & PattyMae Haycock

June 22, 2010

My Dearest Bobby Sue,
This is truly a sad time in our lives. Corky’s passing has left a huge hole in all our lives and will truly be missed.
When we were young I always liked Corky and looked up to him and admired him for his personality and athletic ability. When the two of you had the wisdom to join your lives I was glad and really pleased to be a part of the wedding. I always appreciated my new cousin and enjoyed our relationship. I enjoyed his spirituality and his reverence in all our family matters. I always knew him to be a child of God. Take solace in the fact that when you race has been run he will be there to cheer you on and welcome you once again with open arms.
We love you, Your Cousins

With warmest regards

Shelly (Munson) Berry

June 19, 2010

My dearest Mrs. Poole,
Coach Poole was one of my favorite teachers. I considered it an honor to be on the cheerleading squad those years in high school and attending the basketball games.
I also hold dear the summer that we went to NCA camp, along with Ann and the Valley High School squad. I was very fond of Michael as well and am saddened to hear about both he and Mr. Poole.

May Peace be with you and your family.
Blessings~

Linda Knowlden

June 16, 2010

Dear Bobbi and Family: Corky was Wes' transplant games bowling partner and they took a medal.....they truly enjoyed each other and the extra years of life they were given by organ donation. I wish your family all the best in this difficult time but encourage you to remember what he was gifted with and how he used that extra time he got. He was a great guy with an always ready smile:) He is now at peace, has lived his life, and I am sure that he and Wes are now talking about their missed spares, strikes, and splits!
Sincerely,
Linda Knowlden

stewart anderson

June 15, 2010

Coach Poole was a great guy!
Condolences to the family.
Stewart Anderson

Ron Baker

June 15, 2010

We will miss you old friend. I wish I could have spent more time with you. My thoughts are with your family and friends who lost a loved one.

Patrick Hofstetter

June 15, 2010

Dear Bobbie and Ann, I can't begin to express how sorry I am to hear about Coach Poole's passing. My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your entire family. Coach was a real inspiration to me as I moved through my life. He was the greatest coach I had as a kid and I will never forget him. I will carry his memory for everything he stood for. Class of 1976

Sharion Suesser

June 15, 2010

Dear Bobbi,
I am so sorry for your loss. Corky was a great high school friend. When we crossed paths over the years, it was always fun to recall those carefree days at RHS. You and he were great examples for the young men and women that you taught over the years, and great friends to those fortunate enough to have been a part of your lives. I know how much you and your family will miss Corky.

Donna Carter

June 14, 2010

Bobbie and Corky introduced me to COS when I found out I needed a liver transplant. You are both beautiful people, and we will miss Corky and his jokes at COS. I could always count on Corky to make me feel better and keep me informed about the latest transplant information.

Melodee McInnis Paul

June 14, 2010

Dear Bobbie & Ann,
I am so sorry to hear about Coach Poole. I have always considered you family to me as we have been through so much together. His laughter and genuine love he had for the youth of Las Vegas was felt by so many! He can never be replaced.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family....
Love you both so much
Melodee McInnis Paul

June 14, 2010

I remember Corky coming to our home in NLV to pick up my sister for an activity at Rancho. She was always late, so he helped himself to some food in the kitchen as usual. My mom came in as he was eating his sandwich and asked him what he had, and he said "Your beef spread, but it needs some salt" She didn't have the heart to tell him then that he had just eaten half a can of dog food because there was no beef spread. So much for my mom's cooking, but I always remember how Corky just laughed when she finally had the courage to tell him.

Corky was always happy to give the little kid (me) a swing around the room with the records going. A wonderful person that touched so many lives.

May those that knew him remember him and those that never met him realize what a great guy they missed out on knowing!

He is in the arms of his Savior and with those that have gone before. He leaves his love for all behind as his rememberance.

Ronda Hutchison Barnhurst
sister of the late Connie Hutchison, from the class of 57 Rancho High

Sherry, Eddy, Jamie and Jenny Baca

June 14, 2010

To Bobbie and family,
We were so sorry to hear about Corky. He was such an inspiration and wonderful man. He definitely made a difference in this world in everything that he touched. We will miss his humor, smile, and caring attitude. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

June 14, 2010

Bobbie Sue and Corky! What a wonderful couple.
I like love stories and this is certainly one of the best!
Love to you from your lifetime friend Charlene Cox Cruze

Brenda Ramirez

June 14, 2010

Dear Bobbie and Ann,
We will remember Corky with a smile and a twinkle in his eye, for his love of children and youth, for his dedication to the Lord and with you by his side. We will be there to celebrate his life.
Love you very much
Alex, Brenda, Adrian and Natalie Pino Ramirez

June 14, 2010

To Bobbie, Ann, Tyler, Jon & Family,

I didn't know Corky that long, but what a wonderful man & coach I got to work with. It was always a joy and privilege to have him coaching 1st base in our little league games.
He will be missed, but he leaves many great memories.
The Steinhauer's - Spring Valley

Barry Anderson

June 14, 2010

To Bobbie and the rest of the family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We pray that all of you will find peace and rest in the Lord. We will look forward to being able to celebrate Corky's life on July 24 and each day as we remember special moments and memories that we shared with him.

Vanessa Owens

June 14, 2010

I'm sure he's already shooting hoops! Bobbie and family, you're in my prayers. Corky, you will be missed - you could always make people laugh - I'm sure God is pleased.

Gretchen Casteel

June 14, 2010

I was editior of the year book in 75-76 and Mr Poole along with his wife designed our cover that year it was a pleasure to work with Mr. Poole. My condolences to his family Gretchen Casteel VoTech Class of 76

Sue Weakland

June 14, 2010

I remember Mr. Poole from high school, he was a great teacher. My sympathy to the family. He touched many lives being a teacher.

Ellen Ebert

June 14, 2010

Bobbi, I am saddened by your loss but always remember Corky with his beautiful smile even when he was very ill before his liver transplant. My thoughts, prayers and love are with you and your family. Ellen

June 14, 2010

I had Mr Poole as my drivers ed teacher at VoTech, in the early 1980's.
My condolences to his family.
Barbie....VoTech Class of 1983

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