Robert “Bob” Lee Cole fought a long hard battle with strength, courage and dignity, but sadly passed away at home surrounded by his family Aug. 10, 2016. Born May 1, 1956, in Spokane, Wash., to Robert Keith Cole of Sioux City, Iowa, and Lola May Truman of Rexford, Mont.

Bob was the youngest of 15 children. As a child, Bob loved his life growing up with his mother on the family ranch in Montana where he was able to run free in the woods and learned to hunt and fish. Later he was able to pass on his love of living the Montana mountain life with all of his children and grandchildren.

In his early 20s, Bob moved back to the Spokane area to live with his dad and stepmom Peggy Kivett, where Bob met the love of his life Tracy A. Cole (Dennis) in January 1977 and they married just six months later on July 22, 1977. When deciding to marry Tracy, Bob decided to become an instant dad and instantly fell in love with Courtney Allen Dennis, 19 months and Carmen Dana Jett (Dennis), 8 months. The following year together they had, Robert Patrick Cole, and a year and half later they welcomed another son, Christopher Keith Cole. Because life is never without its ups and downs daughter, Katherine (Kassie) Ann Gofourth (Giltner), came just a little later in the year. Bob loved his children and cherished the time he was able to spend with each of them.

Bob was well-known for his ability to restore an old forgotten car to a pristine work of art and was still in high demand right up to his final day. He loved the outdoors and anything to do with it.

Later in life came the pride and joys of his world. His grandchildren made everything worth it for him and he loved making them smile and teaching them the joys he shared in life. Then came the greatest gift he could have thought of having, his great-granddaughter, Mackenzie Willow Rose. Bob was cherished by all of his children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by both parents; son-in-law Boyd Jett Sr.; brothers Steve Hall, Michael Ohmann, Joe Hall and David Cole Sr.; and nephew Donny Klump. Bob is survived by his wife, Tracy; his children, Courtney, Carmen, Robert (Nichole), Christopher and Kassie (Scott); his grandchildren, Katelyn, Robert Levi, Boyd Jr., Cody, Kelly, Jordan, Audrey, Gannon, Vivian, Kane and adopted grandsons Austin and Eli; great-granddaughter MacKenzie; aunt Stella Truman; brothers Art and Donnie Hall, Pat, Tim, Dave, Dennis and Terry Ohmann; sisters Ginger Strong, Cora Yount and Betty; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bob was loved by so many and will be missed, but always and forever in our hearts.

Please visit Robert’s online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com and sign his guest book.