Roy Leslie Cole, Jr.

Obituary for Roy Leslie Cole Jr.

Roy Leslie Cole Jr., 96, of Fort Collins, Colorado, passed away peacefully at home on October 31, 2025. He was born on December 27, 1928, in Denver, Colorado, to Roy Sr. and Marguerite Cole, and moved to his childhood home in Edgewater, CO a year later.

Roy spent his childhood in Edgewater, helping with family agriculture and proudly never missing a single day of school from first through twelfth grade. Summers were a special time for him, spent in Walden with his brother-in-law, Jimmy, putting up hay and helping on the ranch.

After graduating high school, Roy attended Denver University on a basketball scholarship, earning a degree in education. He began his career teaching in Edgewater and served as assistant basketball coach, helping lead the team to a state championship. After a year of teaching, Roy changed careers and became a master plumber, working with numerous companies—including Martin Marietta—until 1971. He also served his community as a member of the Edgewater City Council and was proud to be a Mason.

On March 19, 1950, Roy married Lucille Schaaf, in Denver, Colorado. In 1962, they purchased the farm of his dreams in Fort Collins, where they raised three children, started a dairy, and celebrated 51 wonderful years of marriage. In 1971, Roy and his son Brad began a dairy business together, which Roy operated until 1989 before passing it on to Brad. He continued raising corn and hay and actively irrigating into his late 80s. You could always find him on the farm tinkering or in his woodshop building or napping. And if you didn't, he was having coffee with friends in town. Roy remained in his farmhouse until the end, just as he wished.

After selling his dairy cows, Roy and Lucille bought and remodeled a cabin in Pingree Park, where he loved spending time fishing and enjoying the river that runs in front. After Lucille's death, Roy married his wife, Marilyn Buis, in 2004 and they shared 20 happy years together.

Roy was a proud grandfather who rarely missed his grandchildren's sporting and 4-H events. His earlier pickup had a bumper sticker that read, "Ask me about my grandchildren." He loved fishing, woodworking, attending family gatherings, and sharing his quick sense of humor. His strong work ethic and kind spirit earned him friendships across Fort Collins and beyond.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Royona; his wife, Lucille; his son, Robb; and his great-granddaughter, Sierra.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; daughter Peggy (Van); son Brad (Arlene); grandchildren Brian (Keri), Eric (Melissa), Doug (Sarah), Tiani (Bradley), and Garrett (Millie); ten great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Four stepdaughters, Melody, Chrys, Brenda, Penny and a large extended stepfamily.

The family wishes to thank all those who spent time with Roy and helped brighten his days for all these years. A special thanks to Russ Schaefer and Roger Morgan for their companionship and for keeping his social spirit alive until the very end. Thank you to Cyndee Thoen for her nursing help and friendship over the years.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 22, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Windsong Estate, 2901 Saddler Boulevard, Severance. To honor Roy, donuts and pie will be served.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Laporte Presbyterian Church or Larimer County 4-H, in Roy's memory.