Obituary of Cole Bradley Dennis Gaehring

November 26, 1990 – Calgary, Alberta

December 26, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our son, and brother Cole Bradley.

Cole Gaehring of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, December 26, 2022, at the age of 32 years. 

Cole was born in Calgary, AB, on November 26, 1990 and graduated from Crescent Heights High School.

Cole was particularly proud of starting his own bike courier business, which he operated on his own for a number of years. Some good years and some very lean years. At the age of 31, he finally got his driver's license, which was a huge change from the bike he continuously rode around town. It offered him a chance to tour around Alberta, but for those who knew him best, Cole was never without his bike.  

Cole had a fierce passion for fishing. Starting in Ontario at his grandparent’s cottage as a young boy fishing with his cousins and into adulthood. Cole loved the mountains and what they had to offer. Hiking, waterfalls found along the way, maybe a swim and of course walking the rivers and possibly a chance to fish. He also loved animals of any kind. When he would come to the farm, the first thing he would do is say hello to the dogs, then walk over to the horses to feed them some hay. And of course, they would always stick around for the scratches he gave them. 

Cole had a soft heart for kids and loved being around them. Either just to sit around and play with them or to maybe show them his ‘impressive’ skateboard tricks. If he wasn’t on his bike, he was on his skateboard. Cole started to play organized hockey in his preteens, and we were proud to see how he excelled at it. I guess the rink in the backyard, skating with his sister as a youngster each winter paid off, as he was a beautiful skater to watch. Afterwards, playing outside at community rinks with friends. He did recently skate with us and was so happy to be back on the ice. We can still see that smile. 

Cole was lucky enough to maintain deep friendships with schoolmates and friends in the neighbourhood where he grew up. We know how dedicated they were to him over the years, and he equally, was dedicated to them. Please don’t forget him.

Cole is survived by his dad Dennis, his mom Sharon, both of Blackie AB and his sister Kylah Gaehring (Matt Nystad), of Cochrane AB; grandparents in Calgary and Ontario; as well as aunts, uncles and cousins in Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia.  

Cole was predeceased by his grandfather Bill Kovacic, of Burlington ON; his grandmother Patricia Hanson; step-grandfather Roald Hanson of Calgary; as well as his Aunt Linda McClean and Uncle Terry McClean, both of Calgary. 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Cole at a later date. We love you Cole.

In living memory of Cole, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.