David passed away peacefully at home on September 29, 2019 with family and friends by his side. David was born in Berkeley, California to Carleton G. Cole and Ethel G. Cole and grew up in Lafayette, CA. He graduated from Pleasant Hill High School in 1970.
After high school David lived the life of a free-spirited young man. He hiked the John Muir Trail, lived for a time in a beach commune in Mendocino, and backpacked his way through Europe. In 1974 he joined the United States Coast Guard. After his honorable discharge from the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves in 1980 he settled in the Pacific Northwest and finished his schooling in marine engineering and HVAC design. He received his Associate Degree from North Seattle Community College.
During David’s 36-year career at sea he worked on a variety of both commercial and government vessels in the engine room and on deck. He first shipped out on the NOAA ship Fairweather, and later worked for Military Sealift Command, Pacific on five different ships. After a few more years with NOAA on the ship Surveyor he spent the remaining 20 years of his career on oil tankers with Conoco Phillips, Atlantic Richfield, and Mobile as an Engineman and Able Seaman. With his deep knowledge of steam and diesel he was often asked to teach classes onboard.
David saw himself as a nonconformist who tried to make the world a better place. He was always concerned with the work environment on the ships and the health and welfare of the crew. David was outspoken on this matter.
David had an open and questioning mind and he relished the opportunity to discuss alternative theories and offbeat ideas with others. He had a great sense of humor and a generous heart. He loved to tell goofy jokes and present his friends with treasures that he found at yard sales and thrift shops.
When David was not at sea on ships he enjoyed cruising the waters of the Pacific Northwest and Canada in his sailboat, a San Juan 7.7. On land, he spent many years developing his property into a lush, tropical oasis and his home was a vivid reflection of his love of Hawaii. He also played the guitar in a vigorous style that often broke strings and sent picks flying.
David is survived by his sister Susan Harrison (Geoffrey) of Lafayette, CA; his nephew Nathan Harrison (Danielle) of KS; his niece Sarah Horan (Tom) of CO; and many friends.
David’s family would like to encourage everyone to have regularly scheduled colonoscopies. We believe David would approve.
The crew of the USCGC Osprey performed a Burial at Sea for David on October 31, 2019 and his remains were laid to rest in the waters off Point Wilson, Olympic Peninsula, WA.
