Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

ROBERT COLE Obituary

COLE, Robert, owner of Bob Cole's Hair Design, lost his fight with cancer on July 4, 2012. No services will be held. Thank you to his many clients for their loyalty.

This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

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

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Jul. 8, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT COLE

68 Entries

Jacqueline Simmons

July 2, 2024

I miss your smile, your curiosity, your talent - and your friendship.
Bob you are remembered

Julie Chambers

July 3, 2023

RIP Gone but not forgotten

Jacqueline Simmons

July 2, 2023

Oh how I miss your talent and that laugh!

July 2, 2021

I miss your haircuts, our talks, your friendship, and being your model for your videography. I still have the banner you made for your shop displaying my haircut with sexy french words on it. Your sister gave me the brush holder you made out of wood. Heaven gained a good man! Gone but not forgotten...Terri

Jacqueline Simmons

July 2, 2021

never forgotten, miss you my friend

Steve Lewis

May 18, 2021

Your song
U gave me your music library. 12 disc
Sat up till 3am listening

Steve Lewis

May 17, 2021

I installed your new HVAC system in 2007. I remember you buying lunch if I went and picked up at Steves restaurant. Stevie Nicks was celebrating her 60th birthday on Steves restaurant tv. Then the Day of the VT shootings. The korean shoe repair next door was upset. You let me drive your Audi with paddle shift. You had no idea it was a padleshift. That thing would move. l had my first Belhaven draft at Penny Lane after working at your facility. That's another unbelievable story. I installed the hangers for the shelves in your Salon Entrance one Saturday for your D50 Martin guitar. You made me CDs of the music you played in your salon. It jamned. I'll look for those to play after this. It's been ever since then that I've played them. I rode 5th and main the other day to say hi. It had changed. So here I am. You wouldn't cut my hair. You said you don't cut men's hair. It got real long. Ha . Thank you for being you.

July 2, 2020

Bob, your ears are burning in heaven because I have talked about a lot over the last eight years! Many hair stylists and still have not found one that can make my hair flow so beautiful. I still have my poster you gave me that was hanging in your shop! It was written in French with my picture advertising your color and haircut. I sure do miss our laughs.talks and chats on world topics. Most of all I miss you!

Julie Chambers

July 2, 2020

Not forgotten

Jacqueline Simmons

July 2, 2019

Still missed, always remembered

Sonja Korb

January 5, 2018

Bob - It's been 5 1/2 years since your passing and I still miss you as much today as I did when I heard the news. I've been through so many stylists and none come close to your talents. My hair sure does miss you. You are missed for so many reasons ... your talent, your sense of humor, your conversations but mostly for just being you. Soar high my friend and enjoy the warm breeze on your face.

July 4, 2013

I don't think a day has gone by since we lost you that I haven't thought of you, Bob. Mostly with sadness, but sometimes with a smile. I miss your friendship so much. Thanks be to God that we will see each other again one day. ~RMS

Ruthann

July 4, 2013

Thinking of you my friend. Miss you so much!

Jacqueline Simmons

July 3, 2013

Bob, thank you for your friendship. Missing our talks and your talent. <3

June 24, 2013

Bob,
It's only 10 days away and you will have been gone a year. I miss you so much and so does my hair. I loved coming to your shop every other month and having long talks about life. Your type of friendship was rare and our talks were intense and your positive attitude was contagious. Miss you and I will one day see you. Terri

Julie Chambers

June 21, 2013

RIP. Coming up on a year without my buddy. You are missed...

Susan Stynes

June 20, 2013

Wow, I am in shock to just find out about your passing! I was your once a year client for the past 10 years or so. Living an hour away out in the country, it was always such a treat for me to venture into the city and be treated with a Bob Cole hair cut. I loved our in depth conversations and hearing about your motorcycle or your photography or woodworking projects. You always made me look so good and could do my hair like no other. I was so sad to call the number and get a recording saying the number is no longer in service. I immediately looked online and found sympathy messages on FB. You will be missed old friend. What a true testimony to your lively personality that we would see each other so little but I feel such a sadness that you are gone. Godspeed, I will remember your smile and gentle soul.

June 14, 2013

miss you. Bobbie

March 3, 2013

Bob and I cut Black Walnut trees and he turned them on his lathe. I bought most of his cars as he grew tired of them. We golfed and laughed ate good food worked on his house. while so close we were so far apart. He must have known something when he gave me the equipment we used when cutting wood. Bob was a unique person who wanted to learn to be strong and capable, manly and adventurous.
He achieved that and more. He was so much more of a person every year as he worked on himself all the time. He wanted so much to be liked and for all the right reasons. "I believe" it supported his hopes that he would be thought of as a good man who's family, "Father, Mother (now gone) and Sisters(still here last I knew)" would be proud. I helped him build his hair salon and clear out all the Rabb stuff. I remember turning over a big slab of Walnut to find a three foot Copperhead and he must have jumped 10 feet. No laughing for a minute but after that we laughed and laughed. Never saw anyone jump so far. There was a time we were really good friends but after I moved and was married to Julie had children there just wasn't time. Bob had so much more to give. I tried to help him stop smoking and for a time I thought he might quit. To bad there are no do overs. Bop tried to get straight with God and was aware of what he wanted to be. Thats something.
God Bless you Bob Cole old friend, fellow adventurer, dreamer, hanger in there, doer. we had some good times together and I will think well of you as I navigate threw my remaining days.
Love Lowell Garner

SALLY LEONARD

January 30, 2013

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOB

RMS

December 31, 2012

I just cannot believe you are gone from us, Bob. I am so sad even though I know I will see you again in Heaven where there'll be no parting. Until then, pray for us, your friends. You are ever an inspiration to me. There is a Mass intention at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on 1/04/13 at 12:05 pm for Bob on the 6th month anniversary of his death.

Laura Denning

December 30, 2012

Merry Christmas Bob

I miss you and love you.

Jacqueline Simmons

December 30, 2012

thinking of you, Bob - miss you so much

Ginger Lester

December 29, 2012

I miss you Bob.

December 7, 2012

God bless you, Bob

Joann

December 7, 2012

Every day, I look in the mirror and say my hair looks like crap without Bob. Each visit was an adventure and a delight. Just fun and interesting and always picked up right where we left off from the last conversation. Miss you lots, Bob!

James Lytle

December 6, 2012

Bob, 26 years ago it was my privilege to have you as an architectural client to design your salon. My condolences to all your family and friends. Your delight in life touched all who knew you. Thank you.

Bob and I

Laura Denning

November 26, 2012

I miss and love you Bob. There is not a day that passes that I don't think about you. I'm thankful to have the videos you did with me on your YouTube channel when I'm feeling really down about not having you around anymore. I don't get sad though. The videos make me smile from ear to ear when I watch them every time. You are very loved and missed. And it shows with all entries you receive on here each month. I feel privileged to have known you and to have been graced with your presence. Such a loving soul. Jesus has one of his angels back. Love you dear friend.

Bob Hornung

November 25, 2012

Bob and I went to hairdressing school together. When we graduated we shared an apartment to gether on two occasions. We worked together at "The Main Line" in downtown Richmond. When I was in town after I moved to Florida in 1989 I made it a point to stop into his shop to say hello. When he came to Florida on his motorcycle we would get together for a few beers and catch up on what was going on in our lives. What I came way with over the years was that he was a good man with a kind heart. I know he will be missed by his family and friends

November 24, 2012

Bob, Happy Thanksgiving!

Susan Slate

November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving Bob. I think of you everyday. I miss you and ll love you . I am so proud to be your sister and I know I will see you one day

Stacey

November 9, 2012

Bob, I just found out about your passing yesterday when I tried contacting you.. I remember you saying I was your furthest client that came to see you.. But you were so worth it... You are the only one that did my hair extensions.. I sat in your chair up to 5 hours to have them done... I loved our conversations and your music selection...you also honored me in one of your tv commercials and that was soo much fun..I'm so sorry that I didn't get a chance to say goodbye to you... You were not only an awesome stylist who took my short hair to this big beautiful long locks you were an amazing person and friend... I cried last night and prayed for you...I love you Bob... Gone but not forgotten.... Xoxoxoxo

Terri

October 5, 2012

I emailed you yesterday Bob because I needed a my hair cut and highlighted. I knew you weren't going to respond but I just wanted to email me because I miss you! I have not found anyone that cuts my hair as well as you did. They also don't say "FABULOUS" when it's done. I miss you and I am sure everyones hair in heaven looks "Fabulous".

October 4, 2012

God bless my brother, Bob. May he rest in peace.

Tom Cole

Stephanie Kinsey

September 6, 2012

I just learned of Bob's death tonight when I happened to be downtown and took a walk to see him at the shop. He did my hair in the 90's and it had been many years since we last saw one another. Richmond has lost an icon way too soon. Bob invited me to take a trip with him to a hair show in Paris once. I had to decline but I always wished I had gone. As he would say, it would have been "fabulous"..

Rita Ghatak

August 24, 2012

I shall never forget that last "artistic creation".. as you said, you gave me! You had those wonderful creative hands. 20+ years we had most interesting talks and I had the best styled hair. You will always be in my heart.
My deepest sympathy to the family.

Susan Sink

August 22, 2012

Bob, I will miss you. Thank you for making me feel beautiful for 20 years. I wish I could have told you goodbye. I know you are "Fabulous" in heaven & I will see you there my dear friend. Susan

Joya Moody

August 18, 2012

I just heard of Bob's passing. Although he hasn't cut my hair in about 5 years since I moved from Richmond, I still kept in touch with him periodically and through my mom who has been a client for 25+ years. Bob was so very talented as a hairdresser and artist. He will definitely be missed. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family.

Laura Denning

August 16, 2012

Laura Denning

August 9, 2012

Truly a talented man and a beautiful sole. You will be very missed. I just learned of your passing. My sympathy and condolences go out to the family. I'm sorry I did not get to be in your presence just once more. Rest in peace.

Ginger Pridgen

August 6, 2012

Bob, I feel blessed and honored to have been one of your final clients. Your determination and positive outlook was inspiring. I will miss your smiling face, quick wit and fabulous cuts. May you rest in peace--you will be greatly missed!

Patti Cole

August 4, 2012

Good By to my older brother. although at times I had to take all the kidding for being the baby of the family.I will miss you very much. May you rest in peace in the arms of God and his angels.

August 4, 2012

Bob
You were my older brother and times I had to take all the kidding about being the baby of the family.May you rest in peace knowing that you made a lot see their inner beauty.I love you

Stuart Siegel

August 3, 2012

I only learned last night of Bob's passing. He cut my hair for a very long time and while I hadn't seen him in over a year, he was often in my thoughts. My sympathies to his family. Stuart Siegel

Shirley Belkowitz

July 23, 2012

Nobody but Bob touched my hair for almost 20 years. I can still hear him say "beautiful" when he finished my hair and I always felt that way. His talent and his smiling face will be missed.

Shirley Belkowitz

July 23, 2012

He was a part of my life for a long time and will be missed. I will always remember him saying "beautiful" when he finished my hair and I always felt that way.

July 23, 2012

Thank you for always reminding me of the importance of the journey. I'll miss our interesting conversations, and my hair will never be the same. Godspeed, Bob.

SALLY COLE LEONARD

July 15, 2012

To my baby brother-even though you were stubborn at times, I was glad to have spent time with you- learning Richmond, new skills (shampoo lady)and meeting your many friends. You have such nice clients, such caring people, even to me- a stranger. Diana, Terri, Peggy, William, and too many more to mention.
Thank you to HOSPICE OF VA, a wonderful organization & their caring nurses, the staff at RETREAT HOSPITAL, and to his special doctor-DR BEARMAN, for all that you did for him & for me.

Trisha

July 12, 2012

Bob
Thank you for making me smile and making my hair look great.
I know you believed in Jesus as do I. thank you for that God Bless you

Connie D

July 12, 2012

Bob... Hair Artiste ExtraOrdinaire... Be in peace.

Crystal Crawford

July 11, 2012

Bob, you will be missed....

Julie Chambers

July 11, 2012

My prayers are with you & yours. You struggled through my last cut with such determination and will. You were a legend to the industry and will be missed by so many.

Jacqueline Simmons

July 10, 2012

To his dear sisters, I know he was grateful for your support. It was a pleasure meeting you at the salon. I loved Bob. He was a dear friend, and a wonderful loving soul.

Sonja Korb

July 9, 2012

Bob - I had the honor of being one of your clients for over 20 years. For that I am thankful as well as for the incredible talent you had. You made my hair look "fabulous"! Whenever I hear that word again, I will always think of you. I will miss our chats and your sense of humor but mostly I will miss you, my friend. I am very sorry that I didn't get the chance to say good bye to you in person.

To Bob's family - my sincerest sympathy to you all for this tragic loss you have experienced. He was so talented and you must all be very proud. May you find comfort in knowing that Bob is now at peace.

Elizabeth Johnson

July 9, 2012

Bob (uncle bob) im sad to hear this savannah and i will miss you very much you did an awesome job on my hair,and the laughs even when i was sad on some days. i would come to see ya just for a pick me up and you never failed at that thank you so much for everything. love and miss you

July 9, 2012

Dearest Bob, I will miss you so very much. You did my hair for over 20 years and during that time we became friends. I will miss our conversations. May God Bless you. ronni lee mikelson

Sally Shelton

July 9, 2012

My hair will never look as good again! I am so sorry I didn't get to see you at the end. You will surely be missed by many . God Bless

Connie Bethel

July 8, 2012

I am saddened to learn of Bob's death, and I want to offer my sincere sympathy to his family. He was my hairdresser for the past 9 years, and I will miss him. I know he is in Heaven, as we had many conversations about our shared Christian faith. May God bless and comfort you.

Angel Medina

July 8, 2012

Bob,

You were like nobody else I knew. A wonderful soul. You will be missed. To Bob's family my deepest sympathy. I designed Bob's website and helped him get started on Facebook years ago. I still have access if you need my help.

Ruthann Priest

July 8, 2012

A great person to the very end! You will be missed. You were a fabulous person and a great friend. I loved the haircuts too! RIP

Susan Cole Slate

July 8, 2012

My wonderful brother Bob, you will be greatly missed by your three sisters and two brothers. Although we lived in different states, we were always together in our hearts. Your faith in God has inspired us all. We would like to give special thanks to Hospice of Virginia for the care he received the last weeks of his life before his journey to Heaven. We will always love you and miss you Bob.

Allen Lloyd

July 8, 2012

Bob, You cut my wife's hair for 20 years, You know how much i enjoyed all the new styles. You even blessed me with one hair cut. Thank you for being kind, gentle, and understanding. You will surely be missed by my wife and myself. See You On The Other Side

Becky Lloyd

July 8, 2012

Bob,I will miss your quick wit and positive personality. You were the only one I trusted with my hair! God bless you and keep you within his kingdom.

Joann Robinson

July 8, 2012

Bob, I'm very sad... your positive outlook after the hospital was so strong - I hoped that eveything would work out. Independence Day, fireworks - I know you would have laughed at the fanfare. Sorry there is no service so that others could share their stories of the remarkable Bob Cole. (and thanks for the original introduction, Bill Beville)

Terri Longest

July 8, 2012

My heart is broken and I will miss you so much. We had so many interesting talks about spirituality, news and being positive about life. You were a very positive person to your last day and I will try to carry that on in my life. Even though you were sick you never missed my daily text with your GM:). My hair will never be the same without your fabulous cuts. Not only were you my hair dresser but a friend close to my heart. You will be missed my friend.

bill Beville

July 8, 2012

Bob,you will be missed. I was your only male client and I was honored. Sorry that I didn't get a chance to say goodbye. God speed.

Showing 1 - 68 of 68 results