Wayne Everett Cole, 77, of Cathlamet, died February 18, 2019 at home in the comfort of his wife.

Wayne was born to Elmer Ira Cole and Zelma Lee Thrasher on September 2, 1941 in Ontario, Oregon. He was the fourth of five children. He graduated from Boise high school in 1960 and later attended classes at Mt. Hood Community College. In his childhood he enjoyed hunting for jackrabbits and going fishing with his family.

In high school he served with the ROTC and joined the Marine Corps immediately following graduation. Later he joined the Army and learned his trade as an optician. For the next 39 years he worked as an optician and managed optical labs.

Wayne adored his wife, Carol. They met at a party in March of 1968 and he proposed to her on their second date. They were married June 14, 1968. He and his wife celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends in Yellowstone in the summer of 2018.

They had two children; a son Spencer and daughter Elizabeth. Wayne coached soccer, little league and was involved in scouts and other sports with his children. He enjoyed fishing, camping and hiking with his family. For many years he was an avid rock hounder and enjoyed spending time in Eastern Oregon.

Wayne and his wife retired in 2003. They bought land shortly afterwards and moved into their new home on “bucolic” Puget Island in 2005. He absolutely loved their new home. In retirement he enjoyed traveling with his wife by land, sea and air throughout the United States, South and Central America, China and Europe. During his travels Wayne fell in love with London.

He stayed busy reading, cooking, baking, and playing cards, going to plays and musical performances with his wife and friends and caring for their new home. He was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary for several years. One of his favorite retirement activities was his time volunteering with the Wahkiakum County Search and Rescue. He greatly enjoyed the people, dogs and volunteer work.

He was the family’s quiet, caring husband, father and grandfather. He supported his wife in all her activities and was willingly volunteered by her for many community events. He will be greatly missed.

Wayne is preceded in death by his sisters Laurie and Carlena and his brother Clyde. His survivors include his wife Carol, brother Don (Sue), children Spencer (Sandy) and Elizabeth (Katie), three grandkids Mason, Ronan and Ender and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service is planned for 10 a.m., Thursday, March 21st at Willamette National Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life at McMenamins Edgefield, in Troutdale, OR in the Blackberry Hall.

Donations may be made to Wahkiakum County Search and Rescue.