Walter Fred Cole passed peacefully on the morning of May 21st, about one month shy of his 94th birthday. He was born in Lombard, Illinois, the first of three children to Clarence and Dorothy Cole, on June 26th, 1931.

A lifelong musician, Walter started on the cornet, then switched to the French Horn, which he played into his late 80's. Growing up, his summers were spent in Door County Wisconsin at his Grandfather's log cabin on the shores of Lake Michigan. Walt loved this place so much, and he was instrumental in keeping the home in the family, where it remains today.

Following high school, Walt enrolled at the University of Nebraska, first studying agriculture, before switching his major to music. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. At the time, the Air Force Band at McChord was looking for a horn player, so Walt headed to the Pacific Northwest which became his home for the rest of his life. In addition to the military band, Walt played in the Tacoma Symphony. It was here that he met his future wife Frances Barwick, who played the oboe. Walt's commanding officer at McChord was also an oboe player and he ended up playing the part of match maker!

Walt and Fran were married in December of 1955 in the chapel at Annie Wright Seminary, where Fran was a music instructor.

After serving in the Air Force, Walter continued his music education at the University of Washington. He went on to become an instructor there as well, teaching French Horn. Next up was the start of a long and decorated career as a music educator in Seattle and outlying public schools. This lasted 41 years, including 24 years at Eckstein Middle School. He was inducted into the Washington Music Educators Hall of Fame in 2000. He was also an integral part of the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra organization for 31 years. Over the decades, he led multiple ensembles as conductor, also leading SYSO's first international tour. Taking a large group of young musicians, and instruments to Austria and Hungary was something he was proud of and enjoyed immensely.

In March of 1959, Walt and Fran welcomed the first addition to the family as David was born. Stephen followed in 1962, and Christopher in 1966. The young family moved around a bit, living near Green Lake, then Lake City, before purchasing a home in Lake Forest Park. This was home until 2010.

In his spare time, Walt loved spending time with his boys and doing projects in the house and yard. He was an avid reader and a very competitive bridge player. He had a great sense of humor, and amassed an enormous collection of jokes and puns, all organized and categorized, of course!

Walt and Fran loved to travel as well. They visited France, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, Switzerland and China to name a few. Although most of Walt's professional career was dedicated to teaching, he continued to play the French Horn. He performed with the Seatle Concert Band, Seattle Symphony, Cascade Symphony and Seattle Opera, including their first complete cycle of "Der Ring des Nibelungen" in 1975.

In 2010, Walt and Fran sold their beloved home in Lake Forest Park and moved into Horizon House. There they made many new friends and were lucky to have some dear old friends as residents there as well. Walt enjoyed singing in the OK Corral and giving talks on Sunday afternoons on topics ranging from a favorite piece of music, composers, or a favorite travel destination. He continued to play bridge and enjoyed Saturday morning get togethers with "the guys", where they had a meal together "and told lies!"

One of Walt and Fran's favorite things was spending time with their grandchildren Raina, Zoe and Nicholas. When each of them turned 6 years old they were treated to a trip to Disneyland with their grandparents. Walt was very happy that each grandchild carried on the family tradition of playing a brass instrument. Raina and Zoe on trumpet, and Nicholas on the French Horn.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Dorothy; his wife Ruby Frances; siblings Victoria and Richard; and his daughter in law Susan (Stephen). He is survived by his sons David (Lisa), Stephen, Christopher (Lisa); and grandchildren Raina, Zoe and Nicholas; and cousins Jim Cole and Sandy and Roxanne Rogers.

Instead of flowers, donations may be made to the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra Organization.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Sunday, September 21st at 2:00pm at Eckstein Middle School. 3003 NE 75th St. Seattle.