The Legacy of Raymond T. Cole

Democratic politics and the 46th District Democratic organization meant much to the late Raymond T. Cole, a quiet, unassuming community activist who died in December 2007. With the gift of ten percent of his estate which Ray left to the 46th District Democrats, the District has established the Raymond T. Cole Fund in his honor.

In addition to his long-time work as a PCO and in later years as an election judge, Ray served as 46th District treasurer during the 1990s through 2002. Representative Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney, who was chair of the District during part of the time Ray was treasurer, recalls that he was not only a pillar in the 46th District but a true friend. "Ray knew his numbers and had a keen eye for keeping a healthy budget, and he was not shy about telling me that it was time to beef up the budget."

Kristin Mitchell (now in the 34th District) took over the treasurer's position in 2003 and remembers that Ray created his reports on the typewriter. His commitment to the District came across when Ray handed over the position to her. He told her that he was friends with the folks at the PDC (Public Disclosure Commission) and that he liked to hand deliver his reports to Olympia so that he could visit with Commission members.

Program Chair Gerry Pollet remembers that Ray had a deep, deep sense of ethics, and this was one reason that he was such a fabulous treasurer. He was founder and executive director of the Northwest Ethics Institute, a non-profit educational organization whose primary object was to promote discussion on ethics in government, politics, public service, and the business world. Monthly panel discussions dealt with such issues as whether or not ethics can be taught. Pollet says: "Ray expected that Democrats or nonpartisan candidates supported by the 46th or the Democratic Party at any level should meet the highest standards of ethics."

Education was another of Ray's passions. He received undergraduate and graduate degrees, including a Ph.D., from the University of Washington, and he also attended George Washington University. Ray was employed as Chief Accountant at the University of Washington in the 1960s, and he taught accounting and business at the University of Maine, University of Washington, Seattle Pacific University, and Seattle University, as well as at Highline and Shoreline Community Colleges. He also was a consultant to the Small Business Administration and other local business entities. In addition, Ray was active with various community groups, including the Seattle Art Museum and St. Mark's Cathedral.

Representative Kenney believes the following quote best describes Ray Cole: "A leader is one who sees more than others see, who sees farther than others see, and who sees before others do."