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Michael Perry Cole

1940 - 2022

Michael Perry Cole obituary, 1940-2022, El Cerrito, CA

BORN

1940

DIED

2022

Michael Cole Obituary

Michael Perry Cole
I, Michael Perry Cole, being of sound mind but questionable health due to (17) stents and (1) triple by-pass surgery, do hereby declare that I died on February 27, 2022 in Berkeley at age 81 after a long and happy life. I was born in Portland Oregon and graduated from Grant High School before attending Oregon State University and the University of Oregon. I married the love of my life Elizabeth Latapie in 1961. After graduating from Boalt Hall in 1965, I started my legal career as a Deputy DA in Oakland before transitioning to private practice with Crosby, Heafey, Roach & May then to Bechtel's Legal Department with posts in San Francisco, Houston and Saudi Arabia. After working with PG&E's Nuclear Division, I joined UC Berkeley as Senior Counsel, my dream position that I held until retirement in 2017. I am survived by my wife Elizabeth, daughters Roslyn and Meggan, granddaughter Perry, grandson Theo, and my sister Cathy. I have greatly loved my time with my family, with memorable trips to places such as the Taj Mahal in India and a trip on the Concorde. I have also loved driving my Boxster with the top down throughout Berkeley, listening to The Eagles (especially "Hotel California"), Getz & Jobim, and The Beach Boys.
Private services following cremation by Sunset Cemetery will be held in the Urn Garden gravesite overlooking the Golden Gate.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Mar. 3, 2022.

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3 Entries

Cyndie L Hopewell and Bonnie Klaschka

November 27, 2022

Mike, you were always a gem of a gentleman, loved talking with you about your many dogs who I had the privilege of caring for in your home, Maisie, Abbie and Lucy. I also loved your love of that beautiful roadster you drove around town! You will be greatly missed but I am sure you are regaling all those who joined you in heaven with those great stories. God has blessed you much and me and Cyn in knowing you. Bonnie K.

shirley a heilig

March 7, 2022

Mike has joined my husband who passed recently. They were golfing buddies for many years. I think they now have a foursome with Mike Kay and my brother-in-law Dave hogendorn. You all are greatly missed.

Susan Walsh

March 4, 2022

Rip Mr Cole! I did not know you but I suspect I wish I had..... though I knew others at C,H,R & M... I immediately went to listen to Getz and Jobim and am listening as I write. I wish your family comfort in this time but it would seem that you have prepared them and that their sadness was anticipated and most probably addressed by you with loving words of comfort and assurance of your life well lived, well loved, well played and.... no need for regrets... except for having to leave .. Susan

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