Obituary of Keith Cole

February 4, 1935 – Bella Coola, British Columbia
August 19, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

On August 19, 2021, not wanting to be without his beloved Jo, who passed away in June, Dad took Mom’s hand to continue their journey together.

Dad was born in Bella Coola, BC to Cliff and Ruth Kopas. On Ruth’s passing, he was adopted and raised by his uncle and aunt, Peard and Violet Cole, then Peard and Cathy Cole, and many adored aunts, uncles, and grandparents.

School was not his favorite, yet he worked hard and graduated from the U of A with a BSc in Geology in 1959 and loved his 32-year career in the petroleum industry.  Joanne Graves, his childhood crush, finally agreed to marry him in 1962 and they raised three children who gave him grey hair and wrinkles and five grandchildren upon whom the sun rose and set.  

Dad’s legacy is his family, and we were blessed to learn many lessons from him in his 86 years: whistle when you are happy, learn people’s names, love fully, make everyone feel important, look at both sides of the argument, laugh with your whole being, be adventurous, take risks, get an education, commit, if you fall asleep with a drink in your hand don’t spill it, and nap.

Travel was a passion, taking the family on many adventures and exploring the world with Mom, but his most cherished times were at the cabin with family and friends. He was a talented artist and musician, an avid skier, curler, and golfer. Despite his fear of water, he took up boating, sailing, water skiing and white-water rafting. 

He loved music, ginger snaps, driving fast, jiving with Mom, BBQing, carpentry, ice cream, teasing, playing games with his grandchildren, Scotch and soda, telling stories, “Nightmare” Alice’s butter tarts and napping, but he was happiest when he was surrounded by those he loved. Dad’s charm and sense of humor were with him until the end, having us in stitches of laughter and teasing his nurses in the hospital. He was resilient, proud, devoted, funny, loyal, and damn, he was stubborn.

KC, as he was known to close friends, touched so many lives. Left with broken hearts but grateful he is no longer suffering, are his children Scott Cole, Heather Cowitz (Glen), and Shelley Gunn (Kevin); his five grandchildren; three sisters, two brothers; a large extended family, and countless friends. 

Our thanks to Brentwood Care Centre and Unit 72 at the Foothills hospital for their care and compassion. 

A Celebration of Keith’s life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB), on Friday, October 15, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Those attending will be asked to confirm one of the following, (A) COVID vaccination (date requested), OR (B) a negative COVID test (within 72 hours), OR (C) Medical exemption AND valid government identification (with name & date of birth) OR (D) Under 12 years of age. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here. Condolences, memories and photos may also be shared and viewed here. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the ALS Society of Alberta, 7874 10St NE, Calgary, AB T2E 8W1, https://www.alsab.ca/donate. 

To View Keith Cole's Memorial Card Click Here