STATE FAIR BOARD CHAIRMAN EDDIE COLE REMEMBERED AS DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVANT AND FRIEND OF AGRICULTURE

SACRAMENTO, March 29, 2001-California State Fair Board Chairman Eddie “Coach” Cole passed away this week at the age of 82.

Mr. Cole was the longest serving director on the board, with a term that began in 1987. He was elected Chairman in 1999.

“I am saddened to learn of Eddie Cole’s passing,” said CDFA Secretary William (Bill) J. Lyons, Jr. “He was a personal friend and supporter of mine, and a friend to all of agriculture. He leaves some big shoes to fill. My thoughts are with Eddie’s family at this difficult time.”

Mr. Cole, who lived in Elk Grove, was the owner of Circle R Ranch there. He was an active supporter of the State Fair’s rodeo as well as its junior livestock program.

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FLEX YOUR POWER. To meet California’s energy challenge, CDFA urges businesses and consumers to conserve. For a list of simple ways that you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our Web site @www.cdfa.ca.gov.