AMONG the vast array of Keith Cole witticisms sat a quote underlying his life approach.
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“It’s a poor heart that never rejoices,” was one of his favourites, his son David recalled this week.
The former Goulburn City mayor and councillor of 26 years passed away on Tuesday night at the Bourke Street Health Centre, surrounded by family. He had spent the past four months there following his diagnosis with myeloma. The community this week remembered a man who never took himself too seriously, but devoted himself utterly to Goulburn.
“He loved Goulburn and worked his guts out for the city. He never expected anything in return,” his long time colleague Cr Margaret O’Neill said yesterday.
“He was the best councillor who ever sat at that table.”
Cr Cole served on the council from 1977 to 2004, including as deputy mayor from 1981-82 and mayor from 1982-85. Civic Centre flags flew at half mast yesterday, honouring the man who gave service and good humour.
“Keith was one of Goulburn’s true characters; a clever man with a lightning wit who genuinely cared about his community,” Mayor Geoff Kettle said.
Mr Cole lightened many a council meeting with a deftly placed quote, drawn from a wealth of life experience. Born in Sydney on May 4 1930, the son of a Neutral Bay policeman, Keith showed early ability. He won a scholarship to North Sydney Boys High School, a selective school, much to his family’s pride.
He trained as a teacher at Sydney Teachers College, paving the way for a long and distinguished career. “Sydney, Sydney, Sydney” were his first three placement choices.
“When he got Myrtleville he had to look it up on a map. He thought it was a speck,” son David said. Country kids also taught him a lesson - about snakes.
“Dad was petrified and didn’t know what to do. The kids killed it,” son Rob laughed.
He played rugby league for the Taralga Tigers and helped form a cricket team to play in the Goulburn competition.
And he also met his future wife, Robyn Alders of ‘Homebrae,’ Bannaby whom he married at St Luke’s Anglican Church in the 1950s.
A private cremation will take place and a memorial service held at a later date.
For the full story, please see the print edition of Friday's Goulburn Post.
