George H. Cole

George Cole, age 93, died September 19, 2022, at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle following a stroke. He was born in Eatonville, Washington on June 19, 1929 to Selby Forest and Rachel Alberta (Snoddy) Cole and grew up on the slopes of Mt. Rainier. When he was a sophomore in high school his widowed mother brought her children to Bellingham where there was war work for her and a college for them. George joined the Army in December of 1948 and served first in Japan, then Korea when war broke out in 1950. He was a clerk-typist by training but in Korea he carried a Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) and was in the thick of fighting, serving with courage and distinction. He was awarded a Bronze Star Medal. Returning to Bellingham, he completed a teaching degree and began a long career as an educator in Bellingham elementary schools (Birchwood, Alderwood, Marietta, and Happy Valley). In retirement he enjoyed backpacking and working in his garden. He placed a high value on life, especially the lives of the unborn. He was a member of Immanuel Bible Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Forest, sister Marie and brother-in-law Bill Schmeling. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Autumn Cole; his daughter Rachel Cole (Joe Rohde), grandchildren Abby (Jake) Walin and their children Micah and Gus; Katrina (Ariel) Oliver and their children Felix and River; Joe, Nate, Jane and Henry Rohde; his son Matthew Cole; and his sister Margaret Schmeling and family.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, October 3rd at 12:30pm at Woodlawn Cemetery in Ferndale, followed by a memorial service at 2:00pm at Immanuel Bible Church in Bellingham.