Help the Cole Family in Their Time of Need

The Cole family has been devastated by a sudden tragic loss today.

Ronald Cole was struck by a moving vehicle while walking down I-5 earlier today near the 216 and did not survive the impact.

Ronald Cole proudly served 20 years in the Navy, serving many roles including being on active duty during the 2003-2011 Iraq/Global War on Terror after the 9-11-2001 attacks and swearing back in 2011 as HT2 (Hull Maintenance Technician Petty Officer 2nd Class), and last known to his family as FT-2 (Fireman's 2nd Class Petty Officer) before retiring in 2016. He also served as a wildfire firefighter in the Pacific Northwest for many years and was a member of the National Guard.

For Ronald Cole, being of service to our country was his passion. He was known for being a storyteller in the family and proudly shared stories with those who would listen. He spoke of how life was like living at sea and working on the USS Kitty Hawk, bringing his late mother, O'Enone Ross, with him on the Mother's Day Tour, and about his silly adventures with his late wife Jamie and their US flight-approved US Citizen Service Cat named Stitch that they adopted while on base in Guam where he was an underwater welder, cook, and transportation security.

We are needing some help coming up with the initial costs to cover the processing and release of his body as his life insurance will take a while to process, so we can begin funeral arrangements and allow our family time to mourn this tragic loss. Our initial goal is $2600 to cover the state processing fees, the death certificate, and cremation services.

Anything helps and is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your support in this time.