COLE LAWRENCE ELLSWORTH

LCD Lawrence "Bud" Ellsworth Cole was a potential VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 12/02/2021 at the age of 86.0
Date of Birth 12/18/1935
Served in the U.S. Navy
Served in Vietnam with HC-7 in 68-70
Call sign in Vietnam SEADEVIL
This information was provided by Ron Milam - Obit

More detail on this person: Lawrence "Bud" Ellsworth Cole, was born in Chehalis, WA on 12/18/35 to Lawrence (Sam) Howe Cole and Pearl Ethel (Daniel) Cole. He was received into his heavenly home on 12/2/21. Bud was a Vietnam veteran serving 27 years in the US Navy, first as a metalsmith on the USS Saint Paul, then as a helicopter rescue pilot (HC-1 and HC-7). He retired from Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in 1981. His ashes will be spread at Sea with full Military Honors. On July 28, 1979 he married his sweetheart, co-pilot in life, and fishing buddy, Charlotte. In addition to his wife "Charlie"of 42+ years, Bud was a proud and loving dad to his four children, Christopher (Christine) Cole, James Craig (Kelly) Cole, Clint (Mary Ann) Middleton, and Brandy (James) Fend. He was blessed with numerous grandchildren, three greats, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Gerald (Gene) Cole, sister Donna Clark, one grandson, and one great grandson. Bud and Charlie shared a love of travel and adventure, motor-homing in all states except Hawaii. Incredible trips include travelling beyond the Arctic Circle, through the Copper Canyon in Mexico, and to Cabo San Lucas. In addition, they travelled to Kenya, Machu-Pichu and the Amazon Jungle. Bud was a strong, determined, and very loved man that lived an amazing life. He was an avid fly fisherman, a voracious reader of history and native American culture, an amateur artist, a master woodworker, and lover of single malt scotch. Bud loved his family, his pets, his home, his friends, and his Charlie with all his heart. He was a big supporter of his community, volunteering with the Kiwanis Club of Bremerton, life member of Navy League, and Puget Sound Naval Museum docent. A Celebration of Life will be held in February. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bremerton Kiwanis Club or Make-A-Wish (Alaska and Washington) Foundation. Fair winds and following seas! We lift you up with our hearts, and a toast of single malt scotch. Posted online on December 18, 2021 Published in Kitsap Sun

Burial information: Burial at sea

This information was last updated 12/18/2021

Please send additions or corrections to: HQ@vhpa.org VHPA Headquarters

Return to the Helicopter Pilot DAT name list

Return to VHPA web site

Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024