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In Loving Memory of

Cole Eugene Theander

December 1st, 1960 - September 23rd, 2026

Obituary

Cole Eugene Theander passed on to his Heavenly home on September 23, 2026, surrounded by family, after a long battle with cancer.

Born on December 1, 1960 in Denver, Colorado, Cole was the first born son of Bruce and Ann Theander. When he reached one year of age, Cole’s family moved to Portland and later settled in rural Clackamas, Oregon. He graduated from Clackamas High School where he met the love of his life, Julie Ruzicka. The two were joined in marriage in 1982 and soon added three sons to their family; Jonathan Eugene, Joshua Bruce, and Jacob Donald Theander.

Cole advanced his education first with Mt. Hood Community College and then with Oregon Health Sciences University; becoming a certified Paramedic in 1986. After school he began his career with Ballard Ambulance in Wenatchee, Washington. In 1988, Cole returned to Oregon working for American Medical Response, settling first in Gresham before finding his forever home in Estacada in 1994.

He was dedicated to his medical profession for nearly 40 years serving the community as senior paramedic. He loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing and logging, but family and his faith in his Savior were his greatest joy.

Cole leaves behind his beloved wife, Julie, three sons and their wives, Emma, Courtney, and Jenna, seven grandchildren and his siblings, Clay (Ruth) Theander and Allison (Kenneth) Washburn.

Friends and family are invited to attend Cole’s Celebration of Life services at Grace Crossing
Bible Church (29101 SE Eagle Creek Road, Estacada, Oregon 97023), Saturday, October 17, 2026 beginning at 11:00 am.

 

SERVICE LIVE STREAM


Donations

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Joseph’s Indian School in memory of Cole. Please see link below:

 

St. Joseph’s Indian School

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Memorial Events

FUNERAL SERVICE

Date & Time Saturday 10/17/2026 at 11:00 AM

Address Grace Crossing Bible Church
29101 SE Eagle Creek Road
Estacada, OR 97023

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Memories & Tributes

May you rest in peace now,know more pain. God Bless you and yours. Sincerely Paula Barker Paula Barker
May you rest in peace now,know more pain. God Bless you and yours. Sincerely Paula Barker Paula Barker
May you rest in peace now,know more pain. God Bless you and yours. Sincerely Paula Barker Paula Barker
May you rest in peace now,know more pain. God Bless you and yours. Sincerely Paula Barker Paula Barker
May you rest in peace now,know more pain. God Bless you and yours. Sincerely Paula Barker Paula Barker
Gonna miss you Cole. Nobody wears the turtle like you. RIP. Marcus stanton
Gonna miss you Cole. Nobody wears the turtle like you. RIP. Marcus stanton
Gonna miss you Cole. Nobody wears the turtle like you. RIP. Marcus stanton
Gonna miss you Cole. Nobody wears the turtle like you. RIP. Marcus stanton
Gonna miss you Cole. Nobody wears the turtle like you. RIP. Marcus stanton
Gonna miss you Cole. Nobody wears the turtle like you. RIP. Marcus stanton
Gonna miss you Cole. Nobody wears the turtle like you. RIP. Marcus stanton
Gonna miss you Cole. Nobody wears the turtle like you. RIP. Marcus stanton
Gonna miss you Cole. Nobody wears the turtle like you. RIP. Marcus stanton
My dear cousin, I can't believe your gone. Cancer sucks, and I wish I could have talked with you more. R.I.P. until we meet again.
Love Brad & Jeanna Theander
Brad Theander
My dear cousin, I can't believe your gone. Cancer sucks, and I wish I could have talked with you more. R.I.P. until we meet again.
Love Brad & Jeanna Theander
Brad Theander
My dear cousin, I can't believe your gone. Cancer sucks, and I wish I could have talked with you more. R.I.P. until we meet again.
Love Brad & Jeanna Theander
Brad Theander
My mighty cousin - always quite the man. I was intimidated by you most of my life until you and I helped our grandmother exit this world. You took the lead and made it a beautiful process. Our mothers were not up for that task.

65 years was just not enough. My mind says you are now pain free and that is a good thing. My soul says you are back with your parents as you were a very devoted son. But my heart stings because I will be unable to see the Rock of Gibraltar that was you again. I love you, my dear cousin.
Elizabeth Aguon
My mighty cousin - always quite the man. I was intimidated by you most of my life until you and I helped our grandmother exit this world. You took the lead and made it a beautiful process. Our mothers were not up for that task.

65 years was just not enough. My mind says you are now pain free and that is a good thing. My soul says you are back with your parents as you were a very devoted son. But my heart stings because I will be unable to see the Rock of Gibraltar that was you again. I love you, my dear cousin.
Elizabeth Aguon
Cole and I started writing to each other when we were twelve years old. At that time, there were no emails, and receiving one of his letters in the mailbox was always a real joy.
Not long after we began corresponding, the telephone rang at my home. My mother answered and then handed me the phone, saying, “It’s Cole!” I was completely panic-stricken. At twelve, I could write in English, but I had never actually spoken to anyone in the language. I will remember that moment for the rest of my life: hearing Cole’s voice for the first time and doing everything I could to understand him and find the words to answer.
Years later, Cole showed me great trust by sending his eldest son, Jonathan, to stay with us in France. We took Jonathan around Paris and along the Normandy coast, and I sincerely hope he still has fond memories of that trip.
Cole later welcomed my eldest son, Sébastien, into his own home. When Sébastien encountered a problem with his flight, Cole took care of everything and made sure that he arrived safely in Estacada. This was typical of Cole: someone generous, trustworthy and always ready to help.
Cole and I finally had the opportunity to meet in person twice when I travelled to the United States. I also had the pleasure of meeting his wife, Julie, whose warmth, gentleness and kindness touched me deeply.
We shared unforgettable moments together: fishing at sea, walking along the beach, discovering Portland and simply enjoying each other’s company. These memories will always hold a very special place in my heart.
I only wish I could have seen Cole one more time.
My deepest condolences go to Julie, to their sons, and to all their families. I am thinking of you all and sending you my love and strength during this terribly difficult time.
Julie, you know that you will always be welcome in France. My door will always be open to you.
Rest in peace, dear Cole. Thank you for a friendship that began when we were twelve and lasted a lifetime.
With love,
Sylvie
Sylvie LANG-MAILLET
Cole and I started writing to each other when we were twelve years old. At that time, there were no emails, and receiving one of his letters in the mailbox was always a real joy.
Not long after we began corresponding, the telephone rang at my home. My mother answered and then handed me the phone, saying, “It’s Cole!” I was completely panic-stricken. At twelve, I could write in English, but I had never actually spoken to anyone in the language. I will remember that moment for the rest of my life: hearing Cole’s voice for the first time and doing everything I could to understand him and find the words to answer.
Years later, Cole showed me great trust by sending his eldest son, Jonathan, to stay with us in France. We took Jonathan around Paris and along the Normandy coast, and I sincerely hope he still has fond memories of that trip.
Cole later welcomed my eldest son, Sébastien, into his own home. When Sébastien encountered a problem with his flight, Cole took care of everything and made sure that he arrived safely in Estacada. This was typical of Cole: someone generous, trustworthy and always ready to help.
Cole and I finally had the opportunity to meet in person twice when I travelled to the United States. I also had the pleasure of meeting his wife, Julie, whose warmth, gentleness and kindness touched me deeply.
We shared unforgettable moments together: fishing at sea, walking along the beach, discovering Portland and simply enjoying each other’s company. These memories will always hold a very special place in my heart.
I only wish I could have seen Cole one more time.
My deepest condolences go to Julie, to their sons, and to all their families. I am thinking of you all and sending you my love and strength during this terribly difficult time.
Julie, you know that you will always be welcome in France. My door will always be open to you.
Rest in peace, dear Cole. Thank you for a friendship that began when we were twelve and lasted a lifetime.
With love,
Sylvie
Sylvie LANG-MAILLET
Cole and I started writing to each other when we were twelve years old. At that time, there were no emails, and receiving one of his letters in the mailbox was always a real joy.
Not long after we began corresponding, the telephone rang at my home. My mother answered and then handed me the phone, saying, “It’s Cole!” I was completely panic-stricken. At twelve, I could write in English, but I had never actually spoken to anyone in the language. I will remember that moment for the rest of my life: hearing Cole’s voice for the first time and doing everything I could to understand him and find the words to answer.
Years later, Cole showed me great trust by sending his eldest son, Jonathan, to stay with us in France. We took Jonathan around Paris and along the Normandy coast, and I sincerely hope he still has fond memories of that trip.
Cole later welcomed my eldest son, Sébastien, into his own home. When Sébastien encountered a problem with his flight, Cole took care of everything and made sure that he arrived safely in Estacada. This was typical of Cole: someone generous, trustworthy and always ready to help.
Cole and I finally had the opportunity to meet in person twice when I travelled to the United States. I also had the pleasure of meeting his wife, Julie, whose warmth, gentleness and kindness touched me deeply.
We shared unforgettable moments together: fishing at sea, walking along the beach, discovering Portland and simply enjoying each other’s company. These memories will always hold a very special place in my heart.
I only wish I could have seen Cole one more time.
My deepest condolences go to Julie, to their sons, and to all their families. I am thinking of you all and sending you my love and strength during this terribly difficult time.
Julie, you know that you will always be welcome in France. My door will always be open to you.
Rest in peace, dear Cole. Thank you for a friendship that began when we were twelve and lasted a lifetime.
With love,
Sylvie
Sylvie LANG-MAILLET
Sorry for your loss.
Please draw strength and comfort from these bible scriptures- Psalms 83:18, Acts 24:15, Isaiah 25:8, Revelation 21:4,5.

Jehovah's Witnesses
Jehovah's Witnesses
Sorry for your loss.
Please draw strength and comfort from these bible scriptures- Psalms 83:18, Acts 24:15, Isaiah 25:8, Revelation 21:4,5.

Jehovah's Witnesses
Jehovah's Witnesses
Sorry for your loss.
Please draw strength and comfort from these bible scriptures- Psalms 83:18, Acts 24:15, Isaiah 25:8, Revelation 21:4,5.

Jehovah's Witnesses
Jehovah's Witnesses
He was a man like no other . . . Cyndi Denker
What a fighter you were! I will always remember you for your kindness and guidance. You can rest easy now, your AMRian family have it from here. My condolences to all of Coles family. Truly an awesome guy and phenomenal paramedic. Cyndi Newton
A wonderful and kind neighbor, always looking out for others. Cole, you will be greatly missed. We are sad you are gone but so glad you are free of pain and home with Jesus

Thank you for all the kindness and friendship.

-John and Michelle Davis
John and Michelle Davis

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