Dennis Gene Cole

Dennis Gene Cole was born on July 2, 1947 in Fallbrook, CA to Wanda I. Cole and Roger J.B. Cole. They moved to Canoga Park, CA in 1959. He became a Boy Scout at an early age and earned his Eagle Scout badge. He graduated from Canoga Park High School in 1965. Enlisted in the Air Force in 1966. Met his wife Mari Vallerga in 1968 two weeks prior to his deployment for a one year tour in Vietnam. His duty was Search and Rescue of downed Pilots. Dennis and Mari married in 1970 followed by the birth of their son Christopher Cole in 1973. Dennis was a career Union Sheet Metal Worker for 28 years, he also has an Associates Degree. His passion for scouting continued into his adulthood as a leader. After moving to Paso Robles in 1999 he became a San Luis Obispo County school bus driver. He had a love for the beach, traveling and classic cars. He was a founding member of The Lost Patrol Vietnam Veterans Group and a lifetime member of the Vietnam Veterans of America. Also, a member in both The Early Ford V-8 Club and Mid State Cruizers. Preceded in death by his father Roger J.B. Cole and his brother Stephen R. Cole. He is survived by his wife Mari, his son Christopher, his mom Wanda, brother Jerry, sister Denise along with two grandchildren Zailyn, Jakob and many nieces and nephews.