Judge Larry D. Cole Obituary (1936 - 2020)

UPDATE FROM THE FAMILY: Due to concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus and public gathering rules, the memorial service has been changed to a private family gathering. The public is invited to the graveside portion of the service at the Haines Cemetery at 2:15 PM on Thursday, March 19, 2020. If anyone has a memory they would like to share, please write out on a card or sheet of paper and drop off at Baker City Church of the Nazarene or Compassion Center @1250 Hughes Lane. by 3:30 pm Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Thank you, for your support in our Loss. Cliff Cole Services for Larry Cole are going to be Livestreamed to the Baker City Nazarene Church Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/BakerCityNaz/ It is with a heavy heart that Judge Larry D. Cole, 83, passed away in his home on March 3rd, 2020. A loving husband, he leaves his wife of 49 years, Maxine J. Cole; his brothers Ralph (Gloria) and Clifford (Debbie) Cole, and sister April (Ron) Nagy. His children, Julie-Anne Long, Paul (Julie) Cole, Janet Johnson, Dawn (Don) O'Grady, Olivia (Elliott) Donald. In his passing, he also leaves behind a legacy of grandchildren: Gabriel, Joshua, and Jonah Morgan, Candace and David Hamilton, Paul David, and Danny Cole, Casey Marlar, Taylor Johnson, Tanner and Colby O'Grady, Connor, Quinton, and Phoebe Donald, 19 great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. On September 27th, 1936, Daniel and Gladys Cole brought Larry Daniel Cole into this world in Baker City, Oregon. Having graduated from Baker High School, Larry pursued his passion for service and enlisted in the United States Navy and primarily served on the U.S.S Henrico. During his active service, Larry diligently honed skills in hydraulics and heavy equipment diesel mechanic work. After his active service, he worked for Lever Brothers in Southern California. Four years later, Larry moved to North Powder, Oregon and began working in the logging industry at North Powder Pine. Soon after, a resounding call of opportunity and adventure rang from the last frontier: Thorne Bay, Alaska. Larry jumped at the chance and moved his growing family to work at a logging camp for Ketchikan Pulp. His primary duty for the camp was to troubleshoot and maintain the hydraulic turbines that provided the much-needed electricity for a camp of roughly 1,000 residents. Larry took great pride in providing for his family, every job he held was an opportunity to do just that. He worked as a diesel mechanic and made many friends through the years at Brookshire Logging, Union County shops, Eagle Truck & Machine, and Cole Brother's American Service. HERE COMES THE JUDGE: After a six-month courtship, Larry married Maxine J. Lockhorst in Chino, California on January 29, 1971, the love of his life for 49 years. In 1974, Larry Cole phased into the judicial system when he took the part-time position in Union as a Municipal Judge. He held that position for 20 years. In 1986, Judge Larry Cole was elected by the people of Baker County and officially became a full-time Justice of the Peace. In his time on the bench, Judge Cole became a fixture in the community. He held law enforcement officers to a high standard and respected every individual who professionally represented the Oregon legal system. Judge Cole humbly accepted many merit awards. The list includes Baker County, the Oregon State Bar, National Judges Association, and the Oregon Justices of the Peace Association. In 1995, the National Judges Association awarded the Kenneth L. MacEachern Award for outstanding service as a Non-Attorney Judge. Judge Cole was honored to receive nominations from across the United States. In his 32 years on the bench, Judge Cole received honors and praise by the public he served and the peers he respected. Judge Cole retired in 2007 believing two truths: "One Nation, Under God" and "In God We Trust". Hobbies and family life kept his heart and mind full in retirement. Larry had a deep-seated love for aviation, military and family history. He refurbished and gifted and sold naval clocks, barometers, and pocket watches. Many of his grandchildren were gifted model airplanes that are still on display in their homes today. He loved to exercise his love for the Second Amendment by teaching his family and friends how to shoot responsibly. Many of his grandchildren caught their first fish or took their first deer with his hand on their shoulder. He consistently referred to the great outdoors as "God's Country". He taught all his loved ones to appreciate the time they had in it. Some of the best memories of Larry are full of laughter and stories told around the family dinner table. Even in retirement, Larry never settled with the knowledge he gained. He consistently sharpened his mind in many fields. He even went so far to build an airplane engine just to pass the time. He loved being surrounded by family and trading stories with his children and grandchildren. He passes down a legacy full of love and respect. In honor of his memory, donations can be made to the Northeast Oregon Compassion Center through Coles Tribute Center at 1950 Place Street, Baker City, Oregon 97814.