Leland P. Len Cole Our most loved husband, father, and Poppy passed away at home on October 20, 2008 after a brief illness. God must have needed a fourth on the first tee in heaven but he left this world with a little less sunshine and our family without its rock. Len was born on April 27, 1920 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts the only child of Imogene Shaw Cole and Leland P. Cole Sr. He grew up in the small town of Worthington, Massachusetts in the Berkshire Mountains. After graduating from high school and Springfield Technical College, he enlisted in the Army Air Corp and served through the end of WWII in Europe, flying numerous missions and being shot down twice. At the end of the war as he was enjoying a final "R&R" before being discharged he met the love of his life, Eileen, on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City. She was serving in the US Coast Guard and a chance meeting began a 63 year adventure and love that few people ever know. They were married on September 21, 1946 in New London, CT and he began a 20 year career with General Electric in Schenectady, NY. Both their children, Bonnie and Scott, were born in Schenectady. After 20 years with GE, he began another 20 year career with General Dynamics/Electric Boat Division EB in Connecticut. EB sent him to Idaho Falls for 5 years to work on the contract for submarine prototypes and trainers the Navy used at their training school. After that, followed stints in Quincy, MA, Ballston Spa, NY and back at headquarters in New London. Upon retiring from EB, they moved to Richland to be near their children and begin yet a third career with United Engineers at the Nuclear Plants being built here. Watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up was the joy of his life. "Poppy" was always there with a ride, a Coke that wouldn't be allowed before dinner at home, or just a big hug. It was impossible to leave him without his saying, "do you need anything? Is there anything I can do?" His other passion, which preceded even his love for his family, was golf. He began playing and caddying at 14 in Worthington and played until a few weeks before he became sick. He was a New York State Amateur Champion in the 40's, multiple years Club Champion at the Edison Club in New York, and played the last 25 years with his close friends at Meadow Springs Country Club. There are too many good friends to name here but your thoughtfulness and kindness will never be forgotten. Len is survived by his wife of 62 years, Eileen, of Richland, Daughter, Bonnie Cole of Richland, son, Scott Cole Patricia Dreves of Gresham, OR., five grandchildren, Peggy Zipperer of Richland, Patti Wood Dean of Richland, Shawn Cole Heather of Plymouth, MA, Jennifer Dickson Scott of Plymouth, MA and Kellie Wanbaugh Alan of Las Vegas, NV and 11 great-grandchildren. Graveside service will be at 10:00AM on Friday, October 24 at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Richland, WA. A celebration of Len's life will be held from 3:00-5:00PM Friday, October 24 at Meadow Springs Country Club in Richland. Please stop and share a memory with us. A reminder that the dress code at the Country Club does not allow jeans of any kind.