Charles Cole

"Chuck" passed away at home in Winslow on January 15, 2013. He is survived by three loving children: Teri Cole, and Scott Cole, both of Bainbridge Island, and Kim Haniger of Santa Clara, California; three adoring grandchildren: Bailey, McKenna and Hunter Haniger of California, and his best friend and brother-in-law, Bert Dragoo of Olympia, Washington.Chuck was born in Granite Falls, Washington, on August 24, 1927, and attended Weatherwax High School in Aberdeen, Washington. He met and married his high school sweetheart, Carole Dragoo. Chuck graduated in 1945, and served two years in the US Navy during the Korean conflict where he said in humor on many occasions that he "fought the battle of San Diego." He proudly attended Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington on the GI Bill and served as President of Sigma Chi Fraternity for two years before graduating in June of 1951. He and Carole were married the week after graduation and celebrated 61 years of marriage last June.Ford Motor Company hired him directly out of college and throughout his life he extolled the virtues of buying American made cars. He and Carole lived in Portland and Seattle during the 1950's before relocating to Bainbridge Island in 1960. Chuck built his first home in Winslow that year where he and family moved in, where they continue to reside. He went on to become one of the premier contractors and land developers on Bainbridge Island, and notably was a partner in designing the Bill Point Development in the late 1960's and ‘70's. His forward thinking for the time included underground power and TV cable so the views of residents were not obstructed. He was active in Rotary for most of his working life (president from 1969-1970), and also served as a member of the City Council, as well as the Winslow Planning Commission, prior to Bainbridge's incorporation. He will be remembered as a builder of his community for his many contributions, and someone passionate about making a difference on Bainbridge.In his retirement, Chuck and Carole enjoyed owning race horses and spending time at the tracks; they enjoyed taking cruises, traveling extensively to China, Turkey, Greece and the Virgin Islands with dear friends; and moved to both Santa Cruz, California, and Maui, Hawaii, following family to be near them. He doted on his grandchildren and remained close to them up until his death. Chuck lamented over the years about fond time spent with his Winslow and Rolling Bay coffee shop comrades and rarely missed a date with them. A mainstay in the Cole family home, Eddie Rollins, remained a true and loyal friend to Chuck until his passing last winter.Arrangements are being made through Cook Family Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held in the spring.