Phillip L. Cole

05/30/1922 - 12/16/2010

BORN

05/30/1922

DIED

12/16/2010

About

Oregon State University

Phillip Cole Obituary

COLE,
Phillip L.

Phillip L. Cole, beloved husband of 67 years to Mildred, and loving father to daughter Karen, son Jeffery and his wife Susan, and grandfather to Amy and Tony, left this world on December 16th, 2010, but will be forever with All he's touched during his stay on Earth. Born on May 30, 1922 in Casper, Wyoming, he attended primary and secondary schools in Wyoming, Washington, Oregon and California. At Multnomah College, he met and shortly thereafter married Mildred Parkinson in 1944, and then entered the service and served as an engineer officer in an infantry division of Patton's 3rd Army during the sweep across France and Germany in WWII. Returning from the War, he finished his education in 1947 with a BS degree in Civil Engineering from Oregon State University. Joining the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the beginning of the big development of the Columbia River Basin, Phil served in many interesting and challenging assignments, including engineer-in-charge of three major dams in Oregon as well as Resident Engineer in charge of construction of Libby Dam in Montana, his favorite project of all. He finished his illustrious Corps career as Chief, Engineering Division, for the North Pacific Division, covering the states of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and parts of Montana. His family was immensely proud of the many citations and awards he received during his service, including the Decoration for Meritorious Civilian Service, and the Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service, the highest given to civilians in the Department of the Army. Phil was a charter member of the Senior Executive Service of the Untied States.

Phil retired from the Corps in 1980 and joined CH2M Hill providing valuable assistance in water resource development. He retired again in 1987, did consulting work, and decided to become a man of complete leisure on the shores of Idaho's Lake Pend Oreille to enjoy his favorite sport, downhill skiing, as well as hunting, fishing, boating, water sports and many other outdoor activities. Phil and Millie were known throughout the area as an engaging and fun couple, always opening their home and hearts to friends and family.

Phil was a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Society of Military Engineers, and both the U.S. and International Committees on Large Dams. He was a Rotarian, a member of the Elks, and a life member of the Masonic Lodge and Scottish Rite. Phil was inducted into the Oregon State University Hall of Fame in February of 2005.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in his honor to the School of Engineering at Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon.

Military honors will be held in Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon on Wednesday, December 22, 2010.

Family and friends are invited to sign Phillip's online guest book at Arrangements" target="_blank" rel="nofollow, noindex" class="obit-text-link">www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are under the care of COFFELT FUNERAL SERVICE IN SANDPOINT, IDAHO.

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

Published by Spokesman-Review from Dec. 22 to Dec. 23, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Phillip Cole

7 Entries

Jere Stephano

December 27, 2010

I am a friend and exercise buddy of Phil's daughter Karen, who lives and works near me in Delaware. I admired Phil through the memorable stories Karen told about him. Surely his daughter Karen's zest for life and physical challenges, warm acceptance of others, and upbeat approach to life is a direct result of having the privilege to be raised by Phil and his wife, Mildred. Reading through his guest book it is obvious that Phil was a vital thread in the lives of others.

December 27, 2010

The Ladies and Gentlemen of the Washington State Veterans Cemetery extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Phillip L. Cole for your loss, to honor his service to our country and our patriotic hero.

Linda Anne House, Founding Member

Dave Bauman

December 22, 2010

Phil Cole Family:
Always admired Phil's competence as a dam building engineer, occasinally car-pooled with his group and agree with his favorite architect designed Libby Dam. In retirement he was also a committed member of the National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Vancouver Chapter. We share your loss of a great individual.

Rick Krahn

December 22, 2010

My father, Robert "Bob" Krahn, was a friend of Phil's and I had the pleasure of visiting with Phil several times at their "Old Timers Luncheon" for retired Corps engineers. My father, who passed away in November of 2009, had a similar career as Phil with the Corps and then CH2M Hill. I think they admired each other very much as my dad always spoke highly of Phil. I always enjoyed talking about skiing with Phil and was impressed he was able to continue to ski so late in life. Most of all it was obvious to me that Phil was a warm and gracious man who I know will be remembered fondly by those who were lucky enough to know him.

Jim & Gretchen Manning

December 22, 2010

Our hearts go out to you and your family in your time of loss.

Marge Nellen Lippincott

December 22, 2010

Millie and family, I just learned of Phil's passing today, after the honor at the Willamette. When I think of Phil I remember his great smile and his positive outlook on life. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Cheryl Benson

December 22, 2010

Karen,

I am truly sorry for your loss. I wish we could have met him to tell him what a great daughter he raised. We love you,

Tony and Cheryl

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