John "Johnny" Howard Coale
December 14, 1937 - December 24, 2014
Everyone's #1 Fan
John H. Coale of Edmonds passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, the morning of December 24. He is survived by Lynn, his loving wife of 57 years; sons - Steve Coale (Jenelle) of Brier, Bob Coale of Mountlake Terrace, and John Coale Jr. (Lisa) of Edmonds; brothers - Bill Coale (Sharon) of San Jose, and Bob Coale of Seattle; also grandchildren - Steven, Brenna, Jennifer, Grace, and great-grandson Luke; and many special nieces and nephews - Katy, Deanna, Barbara, Leah, Steve, Dan, Brad, and David. John was preceded in death by his lovely sister Haun, and parents, William and Grace.
Johnny was born in Seattle on December 14, 1937 to William H. and Grace L. Coale. John was raised in the Sunset Hill area of Ballard. He began salmon fishing on Puget Sound from a very young age, and excelled in baseball at Ballard High. In 1957, Johnny married the love of his life, Lynn. John was in the US Coast Guard for the early years of their marriage. When his sons started in sports, he began coaching soccer and baseball, always encouraging his players. He believed every kid should have a chance to play, refusing to cut players, but instead formed new teams. He enjoyed moonlight bowling at Robinhood Lanes. John passed his legendary fishing abilities onto his sons and grandchildren. He loved passing his knowledge along to anyone who had an interest in fishing. Always glad to share stories and advise. John created many life-long friendships.
When his grandkids were participating in track, softball and soccer, "Grampa" was always there cheering them on and keeping stats. He continued with his support of the Meadowdale High School girls soccer, basketball, and softball teams, earning him the #1 Fan Award in 2012. He was very proud of that honor.
John's career included running the bait pens out of Gene's Boathouse in Ballard in the 60's, Ray's Boathouse in the 70's, and Golden Gardens in the 80's. Since then, John had his own business, the John Cole Co, distributing bait and tackle all around the Puget Sound area. He considered his customers to be his friends, and it was mutual. John generously donated prizes for the local fishing derbies for many years. He was a friend to everyone he met.
FUNERAL INFORMATION
The family will gather privately to celebrate John's Life.
DONATIONS
In lieu of flowers, the family requests charitable donations be made in John's honor to: Hand in Hand/Safe Place, www.handinhandkids.org, 14 E. Casino Road, Suite E, Everett, WA 98208 OR St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105
Memorial
To Laugh
To laugh often and much; to win the
respect of intelligent people and the affection
of children; to earn the appreciation of honest
critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others;
to leave the world a bit better whether by a
healthy child, a fishing lesson, or redeemed social
condition; to know even one life has breathed
easier because you have lived. This is to have
succeeded.
Love Lives On
Those we love remain with us,
for Love itself lives on.
Cherished memories never fade;
because one loved is gone.
Those we love can never be
more than a thought apart,
for as long as there's a memory
they live on in our heart.
Think of him as living
in the hearts of those he touched,
for nothing loved is ever lost,
and he was loved so much.
Author Unknown