Ted Cole, 67, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on March 31, 2015 after a long battle with cancer. Ted was born in Grants Pass, Oregon, May 4, 1947 to Jesse and Anna Powell. He moved to Sunnyside, Washington in 1962, and graduated from Sunnyside High School in 1966. He met his wife, Sherri in 1967 and then went on to graduate from Grandview Automotive School in the Yakima Valley in 1969. He joined Scott Paper Company in Lester, WA in 1973, transferring to the Skagit Valley in 1976, where he worked for them as a machine operator until 1984 when the Hamilton site was shut down. He continued in logging, driving log truck for Bob Hillier until 1995 when he switched to driving propane tanker for Suburban Propane. He joined Turner Gas Co. in 1998 and continued with them until he was forced into an early retirement in 2005 after his initial battle with cancer. Ted was a lover of nature and outdoor adventure. He and Sherri instilled that love in their children at an early age, with many childhood weekends spent camping, where he was happiest sitting around a campfire with family and friends. His love of camping continued throughout his life, with some of his favorites being those that included his family - especially the grandkids and his brother and best friend, Forest. Ted had an adventurous spirit and was a big kid at heart. As part of a local four-wheel drive club, Ted was an early member of the Skagit County Search & Rescue. Weekend four-wheeling trips often found the family having fun in a group of mud-crusted four-wheel drive jeeps. Ted shared his love of dirt bikes with his kids and grandkids, patiently teaching each of them to ride and spending many, many fun hours with them on the trails. Ted was committed to being the father he didn't have, since his dad passed away when he was an infant, and his children and grandchildren were very blessed by his efforts. As a father he often coached his kid's sports teams, and as a grandfather he was the most loyal fan, rarely missing an event - often pulling up in a log truck if that was what it took to make it in time. He always had time for his family and would drop everything at a moment's notice for them. He was a great listener, patient teacher, the best practical joker and an amazing friend! Ted's children and grandchildren are all left wondering how in the world the sun will rise and set without his shoulders to center on. Ted is survived by the loves of his life, his truest friend and soulmate, wife of 47 years, Sherri; daughter Ann (Case) Rusnak, Jarrod Aynes, Jacy Aynes and Emily Rusnak; daughter Lisa (Greg) Poling, Ashley Joneli and Carley Joneli; son Jason (Jessica) Cole, Jackson Cole, Carter Cole and Gracie Cole. He is also survived by his siblings, Gwen Reich, Forest Cole, Jennifer McBeth, Brian Powell, along with numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins; his Uncle John and Aunt Lorraine Cole and his mother-in-law, Marie McComas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Anna Cole; and his father-in-law and friend, Robert J McComas. The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, May 16th at 12pm at Riverfront Park, Sedro Woolley, WA - picnic following. In lieu of flowers, Ted asks for donations on his behalf to be sent to: Clear Lake Fire Department, PO Box 186, Clear Lake, WA 98235