Dr. Richard H. Cole

Dr. Richard H. COLE Dick was born August 17, 1925 in Tacoma, Washington to Harry and Marie Cole and left us on February 21, 2006. Dr. Cole attended Lincoln High School in Tacoma and the University f Puget Sound before enlisting in the Army and serving in the South Pacific during WWII. Dick received several field promotions and was selected for an appointment to West Point. Following a year of studies and the conclusion of the war, he returned from Amherst to Tacoma and completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Washington. Richard met Virginia Irwin during his studies at UW. They were marred on November 12,1949 in Fairbanks, Alaska, where they were both working and saving money for Dick to attend medical school. In 1951, Dick moved to Chicago with Virginia and their newborn daughter Catherine to attend Medical School at Northwestern University. Following graduation, Dr. Cole and family moved back to the Northwest. He completed his internship at Dr.'s Hospital in Seattle and residency at Virginia Mason. Dr. Cole began his his Family Practice career in partnership with Dr. Pettibone in Renton and worked at Balley General Hospital in the Mid-1970's. He was elected Hospital Cheif of Staff. Dr. Cole was instrumental during the design, construction and relocation of Valley General Hospital to its new location on the east valley highway. In 1978 he moved his practice to Talbot Rd., so he could be nearer to "his" hospital. All in all, he gave 35 years to the women and children in the Renton-Kent area. Delivering babies was a work he loved and a gift of life he gave to over 4,000 Seattle area residents. During his retirement years he loved to spend time at Hood Canal, swimming, fishing, traveling and driving his bulldozer. Dick is survived by his loving wife, Virginia, and his three children. His daughter, Catherine Gambacorta is a landscape designer in San Diego; his son, Richard Cole, is a Northwest Airlines pilot living in Salem, Oregon; and his son, Brian Cole, is an American Airlines pilot living in Orange County, California. Dick also leaves four grandchildren, Michael, Jaelynn, Bradley, and Andrea. He is also survived by two brothers, Marshal Cole of Rosedale, Wa., and Rev. Frank Cole of Port Angeles, Wa. Additionally Dr. Cole leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces and nephews throughout the Pacific Northwest. A Memorial Service will be held on March 18th at 1:00 p.m. at Fairwood Assembly of God Church, 13120 SE 192nd St, Renton, WA 98055. If you wish to honor the life and memory of Dr. Richard Cole, a donation to The Heart Society would be appreciated. Online memorials may be posted at www.mem.com.