Obituary of Joseph Carl Cole

No visitation Joseph Carl Cole February 15, 1950 -- July 2, 2007 Joseph Carl Cole, 57, passed away just before midnight on July 2, 2007 in his Lacey home with his wife and son present. Joe was born in Monterey, California. At the age of 17, he joined the United States Army and was sent to Vietnam, where a bullet caught him in the hand, which led to numerous surgeries and, eventually, release from the Army. Joe's career as a plumber and pipefitter ended due to his exposure to chemicals. Joe's disability led him to find answers related to chemical hazards and find justice for many disabled Vietnam Veterans and their families, as well as citizens worldwide. He formed the International Agent Orange Network, and for years wrote for the "Stars & Stripes" newspaper. Joe was invited to Washington, D.C. and received the bronze Vietnam Veterans National Medal of Honor for his work on Agent Orange. Joe was recognized by the State of Washington for his legislation regulating chemicals, as well as for his activism for all handicapped people. Joe's disability and determination never got in his way, especially with the Port of Olympia. He was a man on a mission and never gave up. He was always armed with evidence and facts and fought politicians and the government all the way. Joe's book, "A Nation At Risk", sadly was never published; however, it is in the New York Public Library. Joe wrote for the "Stars & Stripes" newspaper for years. Joe fought with integrity and honesty. He was our Champion and "Hero" all the way. Sadly, cancer took his life, but he will be remembered as a Champion for Justice for all. Joe was preceded in death by his son, Jeremy; sister, Judy; and brother, Byron. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Colleen; son, Jeffrey; daughter, Jennifer; son-in-law, Moe; grandsons, Dylan and Jaden; mother-in-law, Clarice; five sisters and five brothers; and numerous aunts, uncles, and friends. He will be missed by all but never forgotten! Thank you to all of the nurses and staff from Hospice for the compassion they showed to Joe. A celebration of life will be held at the Lacey Presbyterian Church on Monday, July 9, 2007, at 2:00 p.m. A memorial fund has been set up at the Washington State Credit Union, Account #5527008.