BRAVE Project Visalia co-founder Gary Cole dies at 72
Large white banners adorned with yellow ribbon line several major roadways in Visalia. Printed on the banners are the names of local men and women who served in the military, some of who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The banners are part of the BRAVE Project Visalia, one of many legacies left behind by Gary Cole.
Cole died on Dec. 18 at the age of 72.
"He was a selfless man," said Gary's son, Dustin.
Gary was born July 10, 1950, in Covina, California. He graduated from Glendora High School in 1968 and studied to be an electrician at Mt. SAC College. He was an electrician with I.B.E.W local 11 for 25 years until he retired.
He married his high school sweetheart Denise Murray in 1973. Together they lived in Glendora and had two children, Darleen and Dustin.
Denise died of cancer in 1992.
Gary moved his family to Visalia in 1999 and worked at several local businesses, including Home Base, House to Home, and Morris and Levin.
He soon became a leader in the community.
Gary was a member of the Sequoia Lions Club, serving as president several times. He was also the club secretary for six years and the club chair for the fireworks booth fundraiser.
In 2012, Gary married Jana Theime. The same year, the couple founded the BRAVE Project Visalia.
BRAVE is an acronym for "Banners Recognizing and Acknowledging Visalia's Enlisted." The project — installing the large banners along major roadways in Visalia — was established to honor those enlisted Visalians currently serving in the five branches of the armed forces.
More:Locals honored with spot on Visalia's Avenues of Heroes
The first banners were placed along Caldwell Avenue. The banners then spread to South Akers Street from Highway 198 to Caldwell.
Each banner measures 3 feet wide and 6 feet tall and features a prominent yellow ribbon with the person's name and branch of service listed on a white background.
To date, the project has placed more than 400 banners throughout Visalia.
Gary's son Dustin will take over the project.
"I want to continue to serve the community and help honor those from our community who are enlisted, as well as the Veterans with our Veterans Avenue of Heroes," Dustin said.
Dustin has watched his father lead the project since its inception.
"He was always so proud of the work he was doing," Dustin said. "It was a blessing to see that. It made me proud."
Although Dustin said he has some work ahead of him, he is honored to keep his father's legacy alive.
"He loved family. He loved God. He loved the church. He loved the Dodgers," Dustin said.
Gary is survived by his wife, Jana Cole; his children Darlene Cole Warren, Dustin Cole, Brandon Hall, and Brittany Coggins, as well as grandchildren Christina Russell, Greg Russell, Paris Russell, and Peyton Coggins.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. on Friday at Exeter District Cemetery, 719 E. Marinette Avenue. A celebration of life will follow the service at First Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Street.
If you are a service person or a service person’s family member and would like to participate, you can fill out an application form on the BRAVE Project’s website. You can also email thebraveprojectVisalia@yahoo.com with your name, the enlistee’s name, and your address.
This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: BRAVE Project Visalia co-founder Gary Cole dies at 72
