Ronald Cole

Captain Ron Cole, Colorful Keys Character, left earth orbit on May 14, 2021.

Captain Ron was born in Miami on April 17, 1944, He loved the outdoors and lived a lifetime full of travel and adventures. He was 77 years young. Ron passed peacefully into the great beyond at his beloved home, Peaceable Plantation (on Plantation Key, Islamorada, The Keys, Fl).

He is survived by his two sons, Ryan and Travis Cole (both CO), his loving wife Marilyn Rogers (Conch Republic) and stepdaughter Carly Gripper (VA).

Ron was well known for his passion for the Great Seal of the United States and the founding of our country. He frequented many community celebrations with his displays on the Great Seal and reenactments of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. He had displays at both National Political Conventions, and repeatedly at the annual Constitution Week in Grand Lake, Co.

He started flying early in life and was a US Navy Aviator of the F8 Crusader, stationed at NAS Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, where he trained other Navy pilots in the art of flying. After his service, he followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming an Eastern Airline’s pilot. United Airlines was his next stop. He ended his career as an Instructor at the United Airlines Denver Training Center. Along the way he earned his degree in Political Science at FIU. His advocacy was proven early as he became a ALPA Union activist and Chief Spokesperson in the 1989 ALPA strike action against Eastern Airlines.

He continued to be a voice for union and human rights throughout his life.  He was a founding member of Keys To Peace, a local community building non-profit. He was active in the Garden Club of the Upper Keys as ever supportive spouse and helper.  He served several roles at the American Legion Post 333, Key Largo.  He actively followed and engaged in politics. He seemingly never met a weird idea that wasn’t intriguing to explore!

Mostly he sought peace. Captain Ron zeitgeist for life is captured in this clip of his that was published in the Key West Citizen’s Voice:

“We are all spiritual beings having a human experience.

We all have a spark of the divinity that comprises the One Human Family!

& Thank God I got assigned to South Florida and the Conch Republic.”

A private celebration of life and spreading of his ashes will be held in the future. Love letters and tributes can be sent to Allen-Beyer Funeral Home.