Bob Cole, a longtime resident of Burns, passed away peacefully Aug. 27 at “The Springs” in Whitefish, Mont.

He was the second of four sons born to Ted and Eunice Cole in Kellogg, Idaho. Bob married Mariel Westberg in May 1947, and had two children before moving to Burns in 1955. He was instrumental in bringing electrical power to the ranchers and ranching communities across Harney County as the first manager of Harney Electric Cooperative. He served in that capacity until 1987. His third child was born in Burns Hospital in April 1956.

Bob enjoyed spending leisure time hunting, fishing, and camping in the Steens Mountain area with family and friends and was well-known by the residents of Frenchglen, Diamond, and Andrews.

Following his retirement, Bob and Mariel moved to Troy, Mont., where he still has many friends.

Bob is survived by his wife, Mariel; three children, Pamela of Troy, Mont., Robert D. (Bob) of Rio Rancho, N. M., and Kelly of Scottsdale, Ariz.; as well as his grandchildren and great-grand children.