Christopher Aaron Cole, 50, passed away after a long battle of illness at 3:58 p.m. MST on July 6, 2016, at Mineral Community Hospital in Superior, Mont.

He was born in Idaho Falls at Sacred Heart Hospital on June 11, 1966, to Charles M. (Mike) and Sharon L. Cole. He attended Ethel Boyes, Longfellow, O.E. Bell and Skyline schools and graduated from the University of Idaho in 1988 with a degree in business.

On Aug. 11, 1990, he married Madeline Nicholas; they later divorced. He spent his later years with companions, Diana Eubank, and for the last months, Linda Thomas.

Our dear, sweet Chris — son, brother, uncle, cousin, caregiver, companion, friend — passed away too soon. Chris was the youngest of the four Cole siblings. He was articulate, handsome, charming and a joy to be around. He lived his life on his own terms and possessed an entrepreneurial spirit, owning and operating his own business and working side deals on home loans and other odd jobs.

As a child, he wanted to be a doctor, but as he grew older, Chris found a love for cars. He wanted to own his own semi to drive on the weekends. He loved the journey, often choosing to drive somewhere just to travel the road. He loved people and met many along his journeys that he instantaneously won over as friends with his humor and genuine smile. Last August, Chris felt well enough to take a road trip on his motorcycle, seeing new places and people, reuniting with Kyle and meeting Linda — so glad you had that final ride!

Chris helped many friends, family and even strangers with projects, including a recent befriending of a man advertising free sod — Chris helped the couple ready their house to be put on the market for sale.

Chris enjoyed a close relationship with his grandfather and loved his mom with all his heart — he gave Mom great care and comfort during her final days.

Chris was a naturally gifted soccer player, which offered many traveling, specialty team tournament experiences. His specialty was corner kicks and ball juggling for what seemed like hours in the front yard. Many winter ski trips to Kelly Canyon as a family were enjoyed, sharing stories and laughing with one another.

Chris was not a violent person, but he wasn't afraid to defend himself or others in a time of need. During early years of school, he got into a fight. Mom scolded him for fighting until the teachers at the school told her that he was defending a disabled student against bullies. "That's the kind of guy he was."

Chris never met a girl he couldn't fall in love with, spoiling them and doing things that come with difficulty to most men but came so naturally for Chris. He loved being in love.

Chris is survived by his father; brother, Michael Cole (Angie); sisters, Michelle Hallett (Rick) and Tamara Cole; special cousin, Ariana Hudgens (Bill); lifelong friend, Kyle Capps (Jamie); companions, Diana Eubank and Linda Thomas; in addition to an aunt, uncle and other dear cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sharon, and his grandparents.

Chris was truly a beautiful person — inside and out!

A gathering to celebrate Chris' life will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, at Papa Toms Pizza, 1830 S. Woodruff Ave.



Published in Post Register July 13, 2016