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ELBERT COLE Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for ELBERT COLE
ida dawson taylor
April 26, 2011
it doesnt seem possible that it has been a year since we lost elbert. i think about him almost every day and the last time i saw him he said how much he enjoyed my sending him birthday cards and christmas cards. he said how did i remember his birthday i said i had it marked on my calendar. elbert we miss you and love you very much god bless you.
Pat Luby
June 1, 2010
In the late 70's and early 80's I had the honor to meet and work with Dr. Cole when I worked at the AARP Kansas City office. I cannot think of a finer man who treated everyone with respect. His creativity was enormous and he did so much to develop the Shepherd's Center at Central Methodist and then to help re-create throughout the country.
The last time I saw him was at an aging conference and he was escorting his wife who was quite frail at that time. What a wonderful marriage they had and what wonderful care he gave her.
The world lost a good man but heaven gained another citizen. I'm sure he's busy organizing things up there now.
Connie Goldman
June 1, 2010
Knowing Elbert Cole was a joy and a delight. His memory will continue to inspire me.
Jerry Cohen
June 1, 2010
Dr. Cole was an inspiration to all who look at aging as a process endowed with dignity and awe.
Rosalie Kane
June 1, 2010
To Carolyn, Ruthann, and all Elbert's family:
None of you have met me. I am one of the many people who are active in gerontology nationally who have met and been touched by and educated by Elbert and who is greatful for his leadership with the Shepherd Centers and beyond. Most memorably for me, I spend quite a bit of time with Elbert during a trip to Cuba after Virginia's death. This included a walk of 4 or 5 hours through the city while we were looking for the working synagogues of Cuba and also taking in the sights and talking the whole while. From my perch at Universtiy of Minnesota, I am studying Alzheimer's care and keep coming back to the wise insights I got from Elbert about what could be possible to live fully and within family despite this formidable disease. It was great for me, a Jew, to share my adventure--finding and visiting the Cuban synagogues--with such a wonderful Christian theologian and human being. It is noteworthy that everyone was anxious back at the hotel that I had gone for so long with an older gentleman, but in fact he showed more stamina than I (about 20 years his junior) on that trek. My condolences to his family.
June 1, 2010
I was fortunate to correspond with and visit with Dr. and Mrs. (Virginia) Cole at Duke and at many aging conferences. Their care for each other was truly inspirational. Dr. Cole was persuasive enough to convince me to briefly join a Shepherd's Center national advisory group. I will always remember him as the charismatic leader of the earliest and most impressive faith community volunteer organization to support aging families. I miss them both.
Lisa Gwyther, MSW
May 8, 2010
I was blessed to have lived in Dr. and Virginia's home when Carolyn and I were teaching together in Raytown, Mo. What a time that was and what fond memories I still have. They were both a blessing to me. Dr. Cole will be missed, but we will see him again someday when we pass into eternal life.
Fondly,
Clarice Ratekin Wittmann (Carolyn, I would love to hear from you)
Marianna Sockrider
May 5, 2010
Dr. Cole was my minister growing up. I greatly admired him and his faith. He touched many lives. His efforts for the elderly were particularly impressive. When I would return home, he would always remember me. Even in his senior years he was an energetic pastor and teacher of the Methodist faith. God blessed us with him and my prayers go to his family and friends - he will be missed. Marianna Martin Sockrider, MD, DrPH
Debbie (Carson) Clatanoff
May 5, 2010
Mrs. (Cole) Williams,
As one of your students at Pittman Hills Jr. and attending your wedding at the beautiful church where your dad was pastor, I would like to convey my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I will never forget, you were my favorite teacher and I remember how sad I was when you married and moved away.
Rev. Jim Cunningham
May 3, 2010
Cole Family:
I extend over the miles my love and sorrow. A giant of a man and pastor has died. I am blessed to have been touch by him directly and indirectly through his son, Christopher. I miss them both.
May 3, 2010
Elbert was the greatest of the greatest generation. He was always there supporting, caring, loving. I have spent most of my life trying to be like him. Frank Titterington
David Titterington
May 3, 2010
He was such an amazing man, and my family's spiritual advisor. I remember when he lead the service at my grandmother’s funeral in our home (which I attended from Japan via skype). Dr. Cole began the service with the story of the Buddha walking out of the forest for the first time after his enlightenment—a classic buddhist story. It was a sunny day, the Buddha, clothed in a simple robe, glowing in love, walked out of the forest, and someone came up and asked in awe, “Are you an angle?”
“No” Buddha replied.
“Are you a God?”
“No.”
“Are you a king?”
“No.”
What are you, then?
“I am Awake.”
(That story gives the listener an opportunity to ask “Well, am I awake?” and alas, they are!)
Dr. Cole then led us in a service of appreciation for the beautiful life that gave us our own: my grandmother. God it was a great service.
Ecumenical, transreligious, serviceful, saintly, (the breadth of his work and sheer number of people he inspired is outstanding.) I’m sad he is gone, sad for my family and his, but also grateful, and happy that we had the rare opportunity to meet such a radiant being. What grace and good karma we all have! Grace!!!! I’m thankful for Dr. Cole’s long and inspiring visit, and feel deep joy waving goodbye to him. Thank you for your visit! We are all more awake and in love because of you! Infinitely more, and infinitely less.
Ida Taylor
May 2, 2010
Elber was a very special person to me and my family. He was our minister here in Farmington mo for several years and helped build our current church . I will always rememeber his beautiful smile and how he never met a stranger. He helped my brothers and sister get in to the childrens home here in farmington after our mother passed away. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Our prayers are with his family God Bless you Elbert we love you Ida Dawson Taylor
Kay Wallick
May 2, 2010
Elbert was a mentor to many throughout the U.S. in helping them understand the importance of the empowerment of older adults to “live a life that matters.” He was a leader in creating this new vision of aging in America. As my personal mentor, he shared his wisdom and his global view of what the world could be. Hopefully, I am a better person because of his guidance and friendship. The world has lost a very special person, however, all will continue to benefit from Elbert’s presence, his wisdom and giving spirit…and the many programs that were created from his heart. I wish that I could be there for the memorial, but instead send thoughts of peace and courage to Ruthellen, Carolyn, and all of Elbert’s beloved family. I know that you will continue to treasure his memories and the large legacy that he leaves.
Kay Wallick
Past Executive Director and current board member
Shepherd’s Centers of America
Marguerite Sykes
May 1, 2010
Ruthann, Carolyn and families-
Our thoughts are with all of you at this time. Elbert was a remarkable man who influenced the lives of many. Jim shared many years under his astute mentoring. Elbert's compassion and bright mind will be missed, but an incredible mark will remain.
I know Jim would love to be with you on Monday to share the memories and honor Elbert's full life; however he's in Australia. I've sent the Kansas Star piece to him this evening following Rusty's call. He'll be in touch.
Marguerite
May 1, 2010
Caroline,
Your dad was so special. Our lives crossed recently as I work for the Shepherds Center of the Northland. How nice it was to see him again.
Clarice would love to talk or email you. Her phone/email are (940) 766-4002/[email protected]. Sorry I can't come to services as I run a golf league evey Monday.
Best Regards,
Bill Fletcher
Betsy Titterington
May 1, 2010
Carolyn and family
Oh my! There are important people in you life and then there are IMPORTANT PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE! Elbert belonged in that category. The Titterington family was so lucky to have him in our corner. I know he had such a great influence in who I am today. Thank you for sharing him all these years! How I wish I could be there for the funeral. My thoughts and heart will be with you all.
Love and hugs
Betsy Titterington
Dorothy (Dotti) Gerner
May 1, 2010
Dr. Cole was a person who left the world much better than he found it, with his organizational skills, his caring and compassion. His legacy will continue -- but oh, how he will be missed!
Ann Jacobson
May 1, 2010
Dr. Cole was a true visionary who left an indelible mark on the field of satisfying aging through his founding of Shepherd's Centers of America. My thirty year connection to Dr. Cole's work with SCA from its inception was very meaningful. He was a blessing to all of us. Ann Jacobson, Past President of Shepherd's Centers of America,Kansas City, MO & Naples, FL
Joe Welsh
May 1, 2010
The world has lost a true hero with the passing of Dr. Cole. Thousands of seniors in this world live a better quality of life thanks to his work with Shepherd's Center, and he was beloved by his congregation at Central,
I came to know him when I was very young as my grandparents, Mildred & Everett Yancey, attended Central. My grandmother in particular thought very highly of a man that I considered to be a true Christian in every sense of the faith. He spent his entire life doing for others and was the most selfless person I ever knew.
I was very fond of Dr. Cole and his first wife, Virginia. He devoted much of their later years to her care. I was very pleased to hear that he had remarried and I want to send my condolences to his wife and family.
There aren't many people in this world like Dr. Cole. In an age where we fuss over so many things, this man fussed over others. He sought neither fame or glory or financial reward and served as a role model to all.
The world will miss this kind, gentle and caring man. We can all learn a lesson in helping others by his time on this earth.
Bless you, Dr. Cole. And thanks.
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