Roger Frank Cole, 89

Roger Frank Cole made his final salute Oct. 30, 2019.

He was born in Eureka, the third of four children, with sister Ruth (92), brother Ray, and younger sister Joyce (87). They were raised on the family ranch on the West Kootenai, where they attended Tooley Lake school. They had a family sawmill there and later, built a home and larger sawmill in “Old Redford.” The family still living at home moved to Rexford.

In 1948 Roger graduated from Lincoln High School. He served in the Army in Panama during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1954. He later joined the Reserves and, in 1987, was proud to be part of the relocation of 33 Roosevelt and 17 Rocky Mountain elk. They left Oregon to Etolin Island near Petersburg, Alaska, aboard an LCM, part of the Marine division of the Army. Roger married his only wife, Bea Herbold, in 1955. They had three children while he worked at Taylor Tires in Kalispell. In 1960 Roger moved the family to “Old Rexford” and we lived with grandpa Ray while remodeling the family ranch in the summers. He worked for J. Neils Logging, and got a start with the Forest Service during the summer as part of a pack team with Harry Workman, delivering supplies to the lookouts in the district. In 1965 we moved to the ranch full time. He finally got hired full time with the Forest Service. It was his dream job; he loved working outdoors. He went to school and became an engineer; he was part of designing many logging roads and the Big Creek Loop Road. Roger and Bea divorced in 1974.

Roger transferred to Quinault, Washington, and later Ketchikan, Alaska, where he enjoyed all kinds of fishing. He won a salmon derby with a 62-pound king; he also caught a 102-pound halibut.

He became very involved with the Royal Order of Moose. He earned his gold jacket and was a lifetime member. He took an early retirement from the Forest Service and took a job as maintenance man at Tongas Towers.

Roger returned to the Flathead Valley in 1996. Dean and Roger were able to reconnect and shared many wonderful hunting and fishing trips. We all have fond memories of ice fishing and night fishing for ling on the Kootenai. Roger worked at the Elks until his health prevented him from driving.

Roger is survived by his sisters; sister-in-law; ex-wife Bea; children, Cindy and John Patelzick (Portland), Dean and Terryl Cole (Kalispell), and Joan and Kevin Teach (Portland); eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; seven nieces and seven nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ray, and niece Vicki.

Roger loved a good joke. He had a great smile and sense of humor. He was extremely generous, loved helping people and being needed. Roger loved hunting, fishing, woodworking and spending time with friends at the Elks, Eagles and Moose clubs. He loved music, especially country, and to our surprise at one time he owned and played a steel guitar (We never knew).

He saw the beauty in the world around him especially in children and their laughter. He was thrilled when his Chicago Cubs finally broke the curse and won the World Series. In the end God and family were the only thing and everything.

Happy hunting, Dad. We will miss you. God bless you.

We are forever grateful to Meals on Wheels and all of the caregivers including Mom, Ryan and Kayla, that made it possible for dad to remain in his home until his final few weeks. Thank you to Home Options, and Lakeview Care in Bigfork for your compassionate care as Dad went peacefully to be with our Lord.

Graveside rites will be July 11, 2020, with a reception to follow. We will put a reminder in the paper at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to veterans organizations, Meals on Wheels, St. Jude for children, or Elks, Eagles or Moose clubs.