Obituary for Dean Cole
Dean was God’s gift to us all, and heaven surely knows how much good he brought to the world!
Dean Ernest Cole was a native son, born and raised in Orange County. Growing up when the county was more agricultural than it is today, he was active in FFA, the Farm Bureau, and 4H. Excelling at these activities, he kept busy learning skills, being of service, and making lifelong friends. Dean never lost this early love of rural, agricultural pursuits, and as an adult he continued to be involved with and support these same organizations across Southern California. Despite spending the last forty years building, painting, and doing general contracting, Dean was true to his roots, and never lost his love of farming, husbandry and a cowboy life.
As a child, Dean relished his summers spent at Camp Conrad Chinook with his YMCA group. Today, Camp Conrad Chinook is a camp for children and families afflicted with Type 1 Diabetes. When Dean’s son was diagnosed with this disease at an early age, Dean dedicated his life to ensuring that the camp would survive and reach millions of families needing help. Dean was tireless with his commitment. As the Board of Directors of the camp recently stated, “His spirit and gifts will live on at Camp Conrad Chinook, as there is not any living soul, or building, or any aspect of Camp that did not benefit from his touch.”
Dean was soft-spoken, kind, generous and good-natured, with an innate knack for making friends wherever he went. He was a true gentleman, he was loyal, and he never uttered an unkind word. Whenever someone was in need, Dean was tireless, always ready to help wherever he could.
Dean showered his family with his devotion to them, and he exemplified what it meant to be a good parent. He always made time for his family, and they share many fond memories of their camping and fishing trips made together. Dean was patient and wise. Even if he disagreed with their choices, his love and support for his children was steadfast and unconditional. He loved being a dad and a grandpa, and attended every activity the children participated in. If it involved his family, Dean never missed a game or a performance. Even after the age of 70, Dean would still settle down on the floor enjoying horse rides, tea parties and dress up fun with his grandchildren. He loved life, good food and wine, and sharing it all with his friends and family was his greatest joy. And he could take criticism! Years ago, when he shaved his beard off, his little daughter, Jennifer, cried for days. Dean took note, and he never shaved his beard off again!
Dean married the love of his life, Marianne, on June 26, 1979, remaining happily married for 42 years. Together they raised five amazing children: Jennifer, Joe, Jake, Justin and Jared. They also lovingly spoiled 13 grandchildren: Jean Paul (with Grandpa now), Alessandro, Camila, Anthony Dean, Damien, Ashlyn, Riley Dean, Clayton, Brody Dean, Madelin, Mackenzie, Layla, and Gwendolyn, and 2 great-grandchildren: Bain and Kinsley.
Dean Ernest Cole radiated love, kindness, and service to all those fortunate enough to have known him. His greatest gift was his love for all people on this earth, and he will truly be missed.
Dean Ernest Cole was a native son, born and raised in Orange County. Growing up when the county was more agricultural than it is today, he was active in FFA, the Farm Bureau, and 4H. Excelling at these activities, he kept busy learning skills, being of service, and making lifelong friends. Dean never lost this early love of rural, agricultural pursuits, and as an adult he continued to be involved with and support these same organizations across Southern California. Despite spending the last forty years building, painting, and doing general contracting, Dean was true to his roots, and never lost his love of farming, husbandry and a cowboy life.
As a child, Dean relished his summers spent at Camp Conrad Chinook with his YMCA group. Today, Camp Conrad Chinook is a camp for children and families afflicted with Type 1 Diabetes. When Dean’s son was diagnosed with this disease at an early age, Dean dedicated his life to ensuring that the camp would survive and reach millions of families needing help. Dean was tireless with his commitment. As the Board of Directors of the camp recently stated, “His spirit and gifts will live on at Camp Conrad Chinook, as there is not any living soul, or building, or any aspect of Camp that did not benefit from his touch.”
Dean was soft-spoken, kind, generous and good-natured, with an innate knack for making friends wherever he went. He was a true gentleman, he was loyal, and he never uttered an unkind word. Whenever someone was in need, Dean was tireless, always ready to help wherever he could.
Dean showered his family with his devotion to them, and he exemplified what it meant to be a good parent. He always made time for his family, and they share many fond memories of their camping and fishing trips made together. Dean was patient and wise. Even if he disagreed with their choices, his love and support for his children was steadfast and unconditional. He loved being a dad and a grandpa, and attended every activity the children participated in. If it involved his family, Dean never missed a game or a performance. Even after the age of 70, Dean would still settle down on the floor enjoying horse rides, tea parties and dress up fun with his grandchildren. He loved life, good food and wine, and sharing it all with his friends and family was his greatest joy. And he could take criticism! Years ago, when he shaved his beard off, his little daughter, Jennifer, cried for days. Dean took note, and he never shaved his beard off again!
Dean married the love of his life, Marianne, on June 26, 1979, remaining happily married for 42 years. Together they raised five amazing children: Jennifer, Joe, Jake, Justin and Jared. They also lovingly spoiled 13 grandchildren: Jean Paul (with Grandpa now), Alessandro, Camila, Anthony Dean, Damien, Ashlyn, Riley Dean, Clayton, Brody Dean, Madelin, Mackenzie, Layla, and Gwendolyn, and 2 great-grandchildren: Bain and Kinsley.
Dean Ernest Cole radiated love, kindness, and service to all those fortunate enough to have known him. His greatest gift was his love for all people on this earth, and he will truly be missed.