Robert J. 'Bob / RJC' Cole

Robert J. Cole Bob / RJC
of Kalamazoo, Michigan Passed away peacefully on January 7, 2013 at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence to be reunited with the love of his life, Alecia who passed away July 12, 2007. Bob was one of the kindest, generous and most loving men that you would ever want to know and was a wonderful brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many. He grew up in Traverse City, Michigan, served in the Fighting 69th Division in Germany during World War II and then came to Kalamazoo to attend Western Michigan University. At Western he was co-captain of the Varsity Golf Team, received his Bachelor of Science Degree and met Alecia Kathyrn Stone, whom he was married to for 59 years. Bob worked at the Upjohn Company his entire career and retired in 1981. He is survived by his children, Charles B. Linda Cole, Chris Cole Douglas Fairful, his "adopted" daughter Leslie Hubbell Ryan of Limerick IRE, his wonderful grandchildren who he thought the world of Benjamin J. Aimee Finchem, Katelyn Marie Finchem, Lauren E. Cole and a great granddaughter Alecia M. White. Bob is also survived by two sisters, Betty J. Leach and Kathy Joe Terrell both of Traverse City, MI, several nieces and nephews and his furry feline companion "Big Moe" who has been lovingly adopted by his grandson Ben and his wife Aimee. A very special thank you to Margery Batterson, David & Eileen Rutten, Tom & Diana Gilmer, Jacqueline Mallinson, David & Carol Scheffers, Richard Burnham, Kyle & Joy Taylor and Ken Buelow for the friendship and love that you have shown our parents throughout the years. You were all his adopted family and he loved you all very much. In accordance with his wishes private family burial will take place, and a very casual Celebration of Bob's Life will be held for family and friends on Monday January 14, 2013 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at Bell's Eccentric Café, 355 East Kalamazoo Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Memorial contributions in Bob's name may be made to The Peace House An After School Educational Program For At Risk Children 321 Phelps, Kalamazoo, MI 49048, The Animal Rescue Project, 219 Peekstok Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49001 or Rose Arbor Hospice Residence 5473 Croyden Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. We love you so very much Dad and you will be held close in our hearts forever. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick.