ezdusit Posted November 16, 2016 Share Posted November 16, 2016 It is with a heavy heart that I pass on this email that I received this past weekend from LZOC President, Tom Brunner. Our club has suffered a great loss... David L. Cole, U.S. military, retired, passed away Friday, November 11, 2016, Veteran's Day. His contributions to his family, his country, and the automotive publishing profession will endure as long as the printed word is available to those who value the history of the 20th century. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Barbara Bruce Cole, and is survived by his children Elaine, Richard,and Kathleen. His pronouncements on products and services of the Ford Motor Company, particularly Lincoln and Ford vehicles, were complete and exhaustively studied, yet sweeping and objective in their scope. He wrote for numerous publications throughout his storied career, most prominently The Way of the Zephyr, and the V-8 Times, serving the Lincoln Zephyr Owners Club and Early Ford V-8 Club respectively. Dave began editing the Zephyr magazine with 1988 issues and continued to oversee publication until November 10, 2016. His knowledge about Lincoln and Ford production in the classic era was encyclopedic, and mostly committed to memory, although he collected a trove of material that would easily provide sufficient source material for the next 50 years. This material at some point will be donated to the Lincoln Motor Car Foundation Library. Yet, he carried a softer side. He was extremely approachable to both the long-time devotee, and the newest convert. As well, Dave was very devoted to his family. He counted the opportunity to edit The Way of the Zephyr with the support of his son Richard one of the great privileges of his life. By chance, the Lincoln Zephyr Owners Club--West held its Annual Swap Meet in Dave's hometown, Santa Maria, California, Saturday November 12th. During that event Dave's three children and the attendees sat in a large circle sharing their favorite stories. Amid the laughter and tears, the personality of the man described above was sketched by the participants. Dave was emphatic that there be no public service on his behalf, but this session served as a reminder of what he has meant to each of us. Tom Brunner President Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
19tom40 Posted November 16, 2016 Share Posted November 16, 2016 Dave will be missed by all Ford and Zephyr owners. His research and articles about Ford vehicles was a great source of education about the cars. RIP Dave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Knapp Posted November 16, 2016 Share Posted November 16, 2016 (edited) I met Dave in 1964 when I was a defense contractor at Vandenberg Air Force Base. I had just purchased a 1947 Continental coupe (still have it) and had just joined the LCOC. (LZOC didn't exist at that time). Dave's wife, Barbara, was born at the same hospital as I was, in Schenectady, New York. We had a lot in common. Defense contractors (being migrant workers) don't stay at any location very long, but I tried to attend as many of the Santa Maria LZOZ swap meets as I was able to. We now live in Texas and the trip to Santa Maria is a "Fur Piece"! Dave's contributions to several of the "collector car" publications will be sorely missed. He was a GOOD friend!!! Edited November 16, 2016 by Phil Knapp correct a date (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mssr. Bwatoe Posted November 16, 2016 Share Posted November 16, 2016 I first met Dave briefly in early 73 In Angola Indiana at the LCOC meet, kind of my Lincoln Awakening, with Tom Mauder and J.D.Blanchard, and I am pleased to say he was a "40" man as well..I was thrilled to receive his blessing on the color change to my convert top, from tan to black, like his, with the red piping which he reassured me was correct. I had a nice chat with him at Hickory Corners during the Foundation Meet 2 years ago, studying Lynch's beautiful Cabriolet.. Godspeed Mr Cole...and thank you for your hard work and dedication! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larry butcher Posted November 17, 2016 Share Posted November 17, 2016 I first met Dave( by way of a letter ) about 1987 when I was starting my '36-'38 LZ generator pulley cover project. If you would write a note to Dave about anything, you would receive a neat, single spaced letter; perhaps 2 pages. I have kept all of his letters. Dave and Barb visited our home in Finksburg Md. ,perhaps 1992 or 1993 ; on their way back from Hershey PA. Dave wanted to take pictures of my '38 Conv. Coupe while it was apart and details could be noted. That afternoon was very enjoyable. I enjoyed EVERY issue of TWOZ that Dave put together. The club and the auto hobby have surely lost a great historian. Godspeed Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezdusit Posted November 17, 2016 Author Share Posted November 17, 2016 On 11/16/2016 at 11:38 AM, Phil Knapp said: Dave's wife, Barbara, was born at the same hospital as I was, in Schenectady, New York. As you might recall, Phil, I was born in that same hospital -- Small world. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBoz Posted November 19, 2016 Share Posted November 19, 2016 Dave Cole was definitely a wonderful ambassador for our cars and the hobby. He will be missed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith L. Posted November 19, 2016 Share Posted November 19, 2016 How sad to hear this news. What a wealth of knowledge. We talked and corresponded for several years. Dave was always happy to help me in whenever I had a question about color, style or correctness. He was a fine editor, politely changing my few articles I submitted to flow better and be grammatically correct. He will be greatly missed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScarredKnightfan Posted November 20, 2016 Share Posted November 20, 2016 Very sorry for the loss .... thoughts/prayers en route. Cort, www.oldcarsstronghearts.com pig&cowValves.paceMaker * 1979 CC to 2003 MGM + 81mc "My time here is over" | Patty Lovelace | 'How Can I Help You Say Goodbye?' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_Mc Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 Dave was very kind and showed much patience with me (a V-12 newbee) a couple of years ago when I bought my Zephyr. Truly one of the most knowledgeable Lincoln men on Earth. He will be missed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DSpringer Posted November 25, 2016 Share Posted November 25, 2016 This is news I have been dreading, knowing Dave has been getting on in years and that he is an irreplaceable emissary for our cars. I encountered him at many of our LZOC West meets, including the Lodi GOF where he pointed out my bumper was mounted upside-down. Just a few weeks ago I sent him some information for use in Way of the Zephyr. Dave and his "Chief Indian" son Richard have produced what I believe to be the highest quality vintage car club magazine in the nation, and they have been a cohesive force and largely responsible for maintaining interest in the marque. Long will you be remembered for your decades of dedication, Dave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now