A very sad post tonight, and over a month late (as I just received the news), in reference to the passing of John Cole on May 17th, 2013.
By John’s efforts over the past 30+ years he built a community of 700+ people around the USS Calvert through his newsletters the Calversion and his work in organizing and running annual reunions across the United States. He will be missed by shipmates, former crew members, and family members of the men who served on the Calvert.
John typed each individual Calversion using his trusty typewriter and in-fact had purchased a new machine just last year to keep up his work. His use of a computer was limited to visits to his local library.
Here are a few recent articles regarding John’s great work for his community of Kenyon MN and his work in other avenues during his life:
- John’s Obituary
- Remembering John Cole article in SouthernMinn.com
- Kenyon History is in Your Hands Now article in Kenyon Leader
- Kenyon Leader’s article on John’s post card collection just prior to his passing.
- Red Wing Republican Eagle’s article on John following his passing.
John will be missed by so many people.
Hello,
I am a granddaughter of John Cole. After his death, I find myself doing a google search to make sure I have not missed any articles written about him and came across this wonderful site. My grandpa trusted in his typewritter, rarely utilizing the internet, so unfortunately we are just discovering this page. If he had not seen this website, he would have loved it. His passion for history, story-telling and comradery amongst this community was so evident. While my Grandpa will not be making the reunion, please know my parents (John and Sherry McDonald) will be attending with my grandmother, Lila.
I know I can be of help regarding previous/missing Calversion letters. Please contact me via email.
Thank you.
KELLY:
YOUR GRANDPA, JOHN WAS A FINE MAN AS YOU ALREADY KNOW. HE WAS/IS/AND ALWAYS WILL BE
LOVED BY EACH AND EVERYONE OF HIS SHIPMATES ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND THE DECADES THAT
HE WAS THE “COMMANDER”. AND KELLY, HE WILL ALWAYS MAKE THE REUNIONS, IF NOT IN PERSON,
THEN CERTAINLY IN SPIRIT. THE NEXT TIME YOU TALK WITH HIM, PLEASE CONVEY OUR APPRECIATION
FOR ALL HE DID FOR THE CALVERSION AND HER CREW.
THANK YOU
SKIPPER.