Norman Lee Cole

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OBITUARY

Norman Lee Cole was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, to Bill and Orpha Cole on June 2, 1945.

Just a few months later, he won the Nevada State Baby Contest — an accomplishment he was always proud to mention and one he never let anyone forget! In 1949, his family moved to Navy Yard City in Bremerton, Washington. Norm grew up surrounded by a lively household that included his parents; his two older brothers, Billy and Donnie; his younger sister, Linda; and his younger brother, Tommy.

Norm began working at an early age at Callaghan Grocery delivering ads, and later he learned to cut meat. He also spent many years working on and off at the Callaghan farm. He considered Gene Callaghan not just his employer, but also his mentor and a special friend.

Norm graduated from West Bremerton High School in 1964. That November he enlisted in the Army. He completed basic training at Fort Hood, Texas, and AIT at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Norm answered the call of duty to his country and in June of 1966 he left for Vietnam. He was stationed in Cam Ranh Bay and trained as an Armor Weapons Specialist, repairing and firing multiple weapons. He returned to the United States in June of 1967. During his service he received the Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Norm never cared to walk sandy beaches, as it reminded him of the many hours he spent walking in the sand while on patrol. After returning home, Norm went back to work at Callaghan Grocery cutting meat. Later he worked as an insurance salesman, and then became a paper salesman in Seattle.

Norm married Linda McKibbin in 1973. In 1976 they moved to San Jose, California, where he worked for Butler Paper. Later he worked for Blake, Moffett & Towne Paper Company of San Francisco, where he sold what was at the time the largest paper order in company history. During this time Norm and Linda welcomed their four children: Paul, Adam, Stephanie, and Mark.

Norm was very involved in his church, Los Gatos Christian Church. He began coaching Paul and Adam’s soccer and T-ball teams and also enjoyed serving as a referee for high school, college, and semi-pro football games.

In 1985 he moved his family back to Washington State. He served as a youth minister at Wishkah Community Church and sold ads for the Northwest Trader. Norm coached his boys’ soccer teams as well as a girls soccer team, and coached his children through their T-ball and minor league baseball years. He was incredibly proud of his kids and loved watching them play sports. He was equally blessed to watch his five grandkids play the sports they love as well.

With help from his friend Terry Cogburn, Norm started his own business, Fireguard Extinguisher, in Aberdeen. After about 30 years of running the business, he sold it in 2015. This allowed him to enjoy many years of traveling with Linda.

Norm especially loved spending time on his boat. For many years he enjoyed his favorite hobbies, fishing, crabbing, and shrimping with friends and family. He faithfully served the Lord in many positions and activities at Calvary Chapel in Montesano. One of his favorite things was being part of the Tuesday morning men’s breakfast group. He especially enjoyed helping cook and serve breakfast to the men once a month with his buddies.

Norm is survived by his wife, Linda, of 52 years; his brother Tommy of Fernley, Nevada; and his sister, Linda, of Bremerton, Washington. He is also survived by his children: Paul Cole of Ardmore, Oklahoma; Adam (Stacy) Cole of Pasadena, California; Stephanie (KC) Teeter of Chehalis, Washington; and Mark (Denae) Cole of Graham, Washington. His grandchildren are Madison and Izzy Teeter and Brooklyn, Mason, and Cutler Cole.

Norm was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Billy and Donnie. He will be greatly missed by his family, many cousins, cherished nieces and nephews, and the many friends who loved him.

A celebration of Norm’s life will be held May 16 at 1:00 p.m. in Aberdeen at the Foursquare Church.

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MEMORY WALL

March 29, 2026

Norm will be deeply missed! I’m thankful to have known him for over 20 years. I’ll remember his generosity, his kindness to me and my family, and his humor — especially his love of puns.

Stacy Cole

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