About Cole

The Beginning of Cole's Journey

Cole’s story began on November 30, 1999

Bringing People Together

As Cole grew, his personality blossomed. He was no longer the quiet boy but a social butterfly who loved people and craved connection. With his big laugh, open heart, and lively spirit, he was the kind of person everyone wanted to be around. Friends were drawn to his energy, and family gatherings always felt more complete with Cole there, bringing everyone together. There wasn’t a party or get-together where he wasn’t at the center, making others laugh and feeling at ease. His love for people was as vast as the mountains he would come to cherish.

A Sacred Connection

Cole’s love for the mountains was something he shared with his mom, Julie. They both found a deep peace and sense of purpose in the rugged beauty of nature. From a young age, Cole accompanied his mom on countless hikes, each one bringing them closer and shaping him in ways that would carry into adulthood. The trails, steep cliffs, and forested paths became their sacred space, a shared sanctuary where they could connect, recharge, and just be themselves. Julie instilled in Cole a love and respect for the wilderness, teaching him that the mountains, with all their highs and lows, reflected the journey of life itself.

A Fearless Adventurer

But Cole was more than just a nature lover—he was an adventurer, ready to tackle any challenge the outdoors threw his way. He was fearless on those trails, never backing down from a risky path or a steep climb. He pushed himself to the edge, sometimes literally, and embraced every moment. And while those daring choices did lead to a few scrapes and even some broken bones, he never regretted a single one. To Cole, those mishaps were simply part of the experience, stories to share and lessons learned. He’d laugh them off and head back out as soon as he healed, eager for the next adventure.

The Family Protector

Hiking wasn’t just a hobby for Cole; it was an expression of who he was—a young man with resilience, courage, and a relentless spirit. Those same qualities shone in his relationships. Though he was the youngest of three siblings, he was the protector of the family, always looking out for his older brother, Brian, and his Irish twin, Taylor. Somehow, Cole managed to bring everyone together, bridging any divides with his loyalty and love. Family was everything to him, and he would have done anything for them, especially his mom, to whom he was deeply bonded. As the “baby” of the family, Cole might have seemed like he would be the one protected, but instead, he took on the role of guardian, making sure everyone felt safe and supported.

Fatherhood: Cole's Deepest Joy

As he grew older, Cole embraced one of the most important roles of his life: fatherhood. He became a devoted father to his two children, Bentley and baby Hendrix James. His love for Bentley was boundless. He took on fatherhood with the same dedication he showed in everything else, determined to give his son the best life possible. The joy Bentley brought him was profound, and being a dad gave him a sense of purpose. Though his time with Hendrix was heartbreakingly brief, Cole cherished every precious moment he had with his youngest, holding onto memories that would forever shape his heart. Losing Hendrix was one of the hardest experiences of Cole’s life, and though it weighed heavily on him, it also deepened his capacity for love and compassion.

A Year of Heartbreak and Resilience

Life was not easy for Cole, especially in 2023, a year marked by immense loss and heartache. That April, his young nephew, Jesse James, passed away suddenly at just 20 months old, leaving the family devastated. In July, his mom’s partner, Lyle, was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal colorectal cancer, a blow that shook the family. Amid these hardships, Cole and his girlfriend, Morgan, were expecting their second child. Hendrix was born prematurely with severe health challenges, and although he fought bravely, he passed away just seven days after birth. This loss took a heavy toll on Cole and Morgan, straining their relationship as they both tried to cope in different ways. After Hendrix’s passing, they returned to Prince George, where Cole hoped the closeness of Morgan’s family would help them heal. Despite his love for Morgan, they eventually went their separate ways, and Cole began planning a new chapter for himself.