Robert Hugh Cole, 67, longtime Oak Harbor resident, died at his home on Sunday, June 6, 2010.

Mr. Cole was born in Seattle on April 11, 1943, to Hugh and Elva (Ren) Cole. He was raised in Seattle and graduated from Shoreline High School. Robert entered the U.S. Navy and served in Vietnam. On Nov. 9, 1987, Robert married Patricia A. Cozine, and they made their home in Oak Harbor. He eventually retired from the house painting business which he owned for many years. Robert enjoyed gardening and spent many hours working on their property at their North Whidbey home. He also was an ardent golfer and enjoyed playing poker at VFW Post 7392, of which he was a Life Member. He was also a strong supporter of the Humane Society and WAIF.

Robert is survived by his wife Patty, at home; daughter Cindy Maddalena of Oak Harbor; two sons, Robert H. Cole II (Jennifer) of LaConner and Darren W. Cole of Hawaii; two step-sons, Michael Powell (Brooke) of Oak Harbor and Ryan Powell (Laurel) of Bainbridge Island; one grandson, Anthony Todd Maddalena; three step-grandchildren, Chase A. Powell, Scout R. Powell and Wesley W. Powell; two brothers, John L.R. Cole (Sharon) of Las Vegas and Richard H. Cole of Lynnwood; two sisters, Shirley J. Boyce of Everett and Patricia Vanderwinde of Snohomish; his father-in-law, Max E. Cozine of Oak Harbor; also, numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

A Memorial Service will take place Saturday, July 17, at 3 p.m. in the V-Dome, behind VFW Post 7392, 3037 Goldie Rd., Oak Harbor, during the Bob Cole Memorial Golf Tournament. Memorials may be made to the Washington State Humane Society, 13212 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue, WA 98005, or to WAIF, PO Box 1108, Coupeville, WA 98239. Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest register at www.whidbeymemorial.com.