Below are the details for those wishing to make a memorial donation in memory of Tony Cole. For all donations, please include a note with Tony’s name.
The following is an article from The Compassionate Friends newsletter Jan. 2016. It was written by Tony's parents (Janet and Mack), sister (Betsy) and long time friend (Dan).
Our son Tony was a lover of life: he loved the ourdoors, family, friends, football, lacrosse, snow skiing, and building things. He didn't know a stranger and often sang or whistled as he worked on various assignments or personal projects. It seemed he was busy every day with school activities or helping friends or constructing things or planning the next adventure. Tony loved flying airplanes and that's how he died. We heard from many who knew him that "he lived more life in 22 years than most people do in 80". This is what keeps us living.
My brother Tony was all in. Many of us hesitate, take a sip, dip a toe into the flow of life.....but Tony would run straight in with a huge dimpled grin and a hoot of joy. When he was a baby, I remember gazing into his eyes, making repetitive "babytalk" sounds as he earnestly stared back and his little mouth worked to mirror mine. His connection and his presence with people were a hallmark of his life. When he was in elementary school and I was in high school, I remember one family trip out West when we went camping in the Rockies. As our parents set up camp, Tony and I scrambled up a nearby hillside feeling exuberant and adventurous. At the top we stared in awe at the magnificence surrounding us. His love and respect of nature defined him in life and beyond. (Hiking in the woods today is the surest way I have of connecting with my brother's unbridled spirit.) When Tony was a young adult in college, he became an uncle to my son Ian. Tony gave me the precious gift of watching his love envelop the next generation of our family before he passed away. Now, as I watch both of my boys learn, grow, and laugh, I miss my brother beyond words... but I also see bits of him playfully peeking out through my sons' eyes.
My friend Tony was the kid in school wearing his oversized U of M hat on backwards, climbing trees during recess, capturing bugs and ambushing unsuspecting classmates with acorns. Never living a dull moment through life, he always shared his adventures with friends. Whether Tony was setting the stage for the school play, creating a backyard zip-line, effortlessly skiing down a double black diamond or spending time with family and friends, he always exuded passion and love. With Tony's passion towards life, everything was possible. There was never a discussion or topic that was off limits between us and he always gave an honest perspective and advice. He would call, for no particular reason, other than to ask how my day was going and what plans I had for the week ahead. Tony was charismatic, adventurous, hardworking and a loving friend that will never be forgotten; my dearest friend.
Same year tony sang in the band and dressed up like his uncle
