Roland Anthony Cole passed away suddenly on the morning of April 3, 2021 from complications of diverticulitis at the age of 59.
Roland was born on March 27, 1962 at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah to proud parents Melva Messerly and Ronald Cole. He married Michelle Elzingre (divorced). Later married Julie Timothy.
Roland lived in Salt Lake City with his mother until, at the age of 10 as they made their home in San Jose, California. They would return to Salt Lake City each year to spend time with his Grandma and Grandpa Messerly. His grandpa was his mentor and hero and time spent with Roland, or “Tiger”, as his grandpa nicknamed him, was golden for both of them. After graduation from high school, Roland joined the United States Marine Corp. He served proudly and honorably for 10 years, earning many decorations. He was a member of the Blacksheep Squadron and served tours of duty in the Philippines, Japan, Okinawa, and Korea just to name a few. He later spent time in the Marine Aircraft Group and as a recruiter in Salt Lake City. The friendships he developed with his fellow Marines was a gift he never took for granted. He treasured them all. He held true to the saying “Once a Marine always a Marine”. After his honorable discharge from the Marines, Roland worked for McDonald Douglas and Boeing in the Reno, Nevada area. He moved to Southwest Airlines as an Airline Maintenance Technician and remained with that company until he retired.
Roland followed a dream and moved to Star Valley, Wyoming and set up residency in the town of Auburn. He finally could fully enjoy the outdoors as he had wanted for so long. He took pride in the horses he owned and was happiest when he had time to ride, especially on JC, his favorite horse. It was a particular joy for him to share his love of horses with his daughter, Jessica.
Many of his friends and especially his Salt Lake City cousins took advantage of Roland’s location and made yearly trips to Afton to enjoy fishing weeks with Roland as their guide. The last three years were very meaningful as he was united with his brother Ken whom he thought he would never know. Their bond was immediate and strengthened quickly.
As family and friends, we feel such a void in his passing but there is also gratitude for having him in our lives.
“They whom we love and lose are no longer where they were before. They are now wherever we are.”
Roland is survived by his wife Julie, daughter Jessica (Cole) Bailey, father Ronald (Patricia) Cole, brothers Ken (Nancy) Rowley, Johnny Cole, Nathan Cole, sister Jacqueline Matthews, Aunt Linda (Dan) Woodhead, Uncle Gary Cole, grandchildren Sarah, Hunter. Preceded in death by his mother and grandparents.
Graveside services will be held on Friday, April 16, 202 at the Salt Lake City Cemetery, 200 N Street in Salt Lake City, beginning at Noon. A public viewing will be held prior to the graveside at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple in Salt Lake City from 10:30 to 11:30. Masks and social distancing will be required while at the services.
Those wishing to view the previously held graveside services may do so through the Zoom with a link provided above by clicking "Watch Service".
The world has lost a beautiful person, loving husband, caring dad, hardcore Marine and a wonderful friend.
My deepest condolences to the Cole family. Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. Rest in peace, my friend.
I am so very sorry to learn of Sgt Ronald Cole’s passing. I was his very fortunate Commanding Officer from Dec 1980 until July 1982. We all in the Blacksheep Squadron were so blessed by his joyful and competent performance of duty. And his exceptional performance of duty kept us all safe as we aggressively trained, worked up, deployed and returned from flying 20 A4M Skyhawks to from MCAS El Toro CA to Yuma Arizona, back to El Toro, then all to Hawaii, Wake Island, Guam, Iwakuni Japan, Kadena Okinawa, Cubi Point Philippines, Taegu Korea, with repeat trips to Kadena and Iwakuni, and finally retracing our steps back home again across the wide Pacific. Our A4s were ready, and our aircrews flew safely through his exemplary team efforts. Without his young, enthusiastic professionalism, we never could have accomplished our very challenging missions nor become the Marine Corps Attack Squadron of the Year. Rest easy Sgt Cole. You earned it! Semper Fidelis Marine, Father, and Husband!
Roland was one of my heroes! When he married Julie, he was absolutely devoted to her, and we all marveled at his loyalty and integrity. I was also thrilled to have U.S. marine in our family!
Roland was responsible and kind. He and Julie let us stay in their wonderful abode in Wyoming, where he let my boys ride horses and taught them how to shoot moving targets. The first time I met him at a family Christmas party, he came and repaired my heavy front door that wouldn’t close in the middle of winter! In Roland’s company, we always felt safe, protected and happy. He also prepared some truly memorable meals for us and taught my boys how to make “ the perfect pancake.”
I am weeping at the thought of him having departed this earth, especially for having left Julie behind, although I know he will be one of her guardian angels because he always looked out for her! We love you so much sweet Julie, I will always love Roland!
As if on the wings of eagles... He was surely one of them!
My Condolences to My niece Jessica and her family for the loss of her father. Loosing a parent so early in life is not easy. Just know your family is here for you and praying for you. Roland is in a better place and remains in your heart.
I love you.
Auntie Ronna
My sincere condolences on your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Roland in Oakland at Southwest Airlines. Roland was such a great guy to be around. We always had a great and fun time at work, laughing and telling jokes. He made the work place a fun place to be at. He was great worker and always willing to help others when needed. I will never forget him. Sending thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
I've known Roland since 3rd grade. We both moved to San Jose within months of each other. We were friends over the years and I visited him and his mom at their apartment near blossom hill rd many times. Once he saw bullies trying to roll me for my cash during high school, and he ran down from their apartment and told them, "If you have trouble with him, you have trouble with me!" He literally was a hero to me. It was fitting he was in JROTC at Leigh high school, as he was always a Marine at heart. I knew he joined after high school, but that is where our paths parted.
I have thought about Roland and what adventures he had as a Marine, but we never met again. I looked for him at our 20 yr HS reunion, and have thought of him from time to time. I lay in bed tonight, thinking it has been 20 more years, so thought I would look him up online and found his handsome face on this obituary and am overwhelmed it has only been days... as if his spirit reached out to me. Good bye my friend...
Roland was my brother. I will be forever grateful and proud to say this. Julie and Jess, my heart is with you. I cant even imagine how your feeling.
Your family and Roland always showed my family and I the most love and respect. I found out today. Im sorry Im a little late to know.
One thing I will always appreciate about Roland, he always put hard work and family first. He had values and integrity.
I will always appreciate the conversations we would have. And my son and I will never forget going to Afton and riding horses and watching the solar eclipse from the back yard. I figured out what was rightas well as wrong,that weekend, thank you for that, It helped.
God bless you brother and the love you showed my family.
I am so sorry to her of Rolands passing. I worked with him at Southwest Airlines. Whenever I would park my aircraft in Salt Lake and Roland would come to check things out I knew we were in good hands. He always had a good Star Valley story to share. My sincere condolences and I am so sorry for your loss.
William Patton
Commander, USN (retired)
I am sooooo sorry! Roland and my brother were best friend before my brother passed. I know that, if anything bad we're to happen, Rolland would be The first one to stop "bad things"! From happening. I have many memories of Roland, all of which are him protecting myself and my family. ( I was 12 years old when bad things happened). He will always be a TRUE WARRIOR! Bless you!!!!
No one knew you were engaged to my mom, Rebecca Mann prior to you departing to the Marines. Two weeks before your wedding as she was five months pregnant you broke off the wedding. But you both were so young. She always missed you and spoke so highly of you. No, I am not his daughter, she lost the baby. But, she made sure your memory was alive. My mom passed away last year still speaking of you. May you both rest in peace.