DEDICATION
Dedicated to the memory of my dad, for his sharing with me past events that happened before I arrived on the scene. He had a computerized memory.
Do have loads of appreciation to hand out. The bulk of course, goes to the readers that do not seem to mind reading my stuff, even though a lot of it is autobiographic.
Many thanks go equally, to the Davenport Times editor, Brad Stracener, for creating a name for this book, “Kik-backs,” and the sharp titles he gave the articles and stories.
Terri Roloff-Warrington, Wilbur Register’s editor, for printing my stuff, and her encouragement, regardless of what I wrote.
“Zebra Dog Charlie,” Wilbur’s newspaper man, for taking over the publishing of these journals.
Sugar, for being my dictionary, and showing me which "there" and "their" to use. Also for making me happy all these years.
In my spare time, it was enjoyable to write things as accurately as possible. It refreshed a lot of memories.
Zebra Dog Charlie
Zane David Cosby passed away peacefully in Olympia, Washington on the 3rd of May, 2024, a mere 12 days before his 100th birthday. Zane was born on May 15, 1924 in Shenandoah, Iowa to Cecil F. (Ted) and Zelpha (Davis) Cosby. Zane's parents owned and operated a newspaper in Iowa until 1937 when they sold their newspaper at the time, auctioned off their belongings, and headed west looking to buy another newspaper. After a brief stay in southern California, they moved to Wilbur, Washington where Ted and Zelpha soon purchased the Wilbur Register, the town’s local newspaper. Zane would go on to run the paper until 1993, overseeing its transition from a letterpressed, handset type newspaper through the days of offset printing and the advent of the digital age.
Zane met his future wife, Cleo Miller, while attending Wilbur High School. Their first date was a Valentine's Day Dance at the Wilbur American Legion Hall in 1940. After graduating from Wilbur High School, Zane enrolled in the State College of Washington (later to become Washington State University) in 1941. His college education was interrupted in September of 1942 when he enlisted in the US Navy where he served as a Radioman 1st Class on the U.S.S. California until his honorable discharge in 1945. Zane was always very proud to have served his country in WWII, and proudly wore his USS California baseball cap virtually anytime he set foot outside.
Zane and Cleo were married in February of 1945, and Zane returned to college where he graduated with a degree in English/journalism. They returned to Wilbur where Zane worked with and took over from his father the duties of editor and publisher of The Wilbur Register. They lived many years in Wilbur, enjoying the close friendships that living in a small town offers. He was active in many clubs and organizations and volunteered countless hours supporting, among others, the Wilbur swimming pool, the community center and the Big Bend Golf and Country Club. Zane retired in 1993 and he and Cleo moved to Tumwater, WA where Zane took a volunteer position as a senior intern at the state legislature, and also did a brief stint as a security guard on the capitol campus there. Quite quickly, they made many friends and enjoyed a very active social life, spending a few winters as snowbirds in Arizona with their daughter, Shannon and her family in Tucson. In February of 2020, they celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary, joined by several dozen family members from around the northwest.
Zane enjoyed reading newspapers, books and magazines, as well as building and operating radio controlled models of airplanes and boats, much to the delight of children in Wilbur and at Spring Canyon on Lake Roosevelt, where the Cosby family spent many summer evenings swimming and picnicking. He also enjoyed building and flying kites and setting off fireworks on the 4th of July, ordering fireworks from as far away as factories in Iowa. Golf, dancing, and bridge were also activities he enjoyed with Cleo and his children.
Following Cleo's death in January of 2021, Zane's grandson, Sky Cosby, stepped up and became Zane's daily best friend, helper, driver, companion, confidant, and at times co-conspirator. During the past few years and especially during the challenging pandemic lockdown time, Zane and Sky developed a special bond that they both treasured.
Zane was preceded in death by his wife, Cleo, and his parents, Cecil F. "Ted" and Zelpha Cosby. Survivors include his sister Janice Cosby Harman of Mt. Vernon, son David Cosby (Judith) of Walla Walla, daughter Shannon Cosby Schempp (Bill) of Tucson, grandsons Ian Schempp (Katie) of Shoreline, Evan Schempp (Amanda) of Tucson, and Sky Cosby of Olympia, great-grandchildren Scarleht and Lyli Marcos, Liam, Thorin, and Evelynn Schempp, as well as several nieces and nephews.
For those wishing to honor Zane's legacy, donations to the Wilbur Community Center, Wilbur Public Pool, or Hesseltine Public Library, all causes which were very close to his heart, will be greatly appreciated.
Zebra Dog Charlie
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