Cole David Cooper

Cole David Cooper, 24 years old, unexpectedly passed on Jan. 22, 2025 in Hilo, Hawaii.

Cole was born on Oct. 4, 2000 in Bozeman, Montana and brought an incredible amount of light, love, and humor to his family and friends during his short life. 

Cole graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 2019  and participated in cross country throughout his junior high and high school years and was on the swim team his senior year in which he qualified for the state swim meet. 

Cole moved to The Big Island of Hawaii in July of 2021, making a dream of his come to realization. He worked various jobs, attended college, and took up surfing while living in Hawaii. 

Cole loved deeply, was kind, compassionate, caring, empathic, witty and had a wonderful if irreverent sense of humor. 

Cole took his own life which has devastated both his family and his friends. We ask that you speak of suicide and Cole’s passing, but remember him for the life he lived. Cole’s life wasn’t always easy, but it was a good life and we tend to believe he’d agree. He lived a life full of color and love for his family and friends and is so very much missed.  

Please speak to your children of suicide and its devastating effects. It’s not an easy subject to discuss, but one of necessity, especially in today’s climate. The suicide and crisis hotline for help is 988. 

Cole is survived by both his parents Callie Hulslander Cooper and John Cooper; his brother Ben Cooper, his nephew Bjorn Cooper, his grandparents Judy and David Hulslander; his aunt and uncle Cristin Hulslander; Bill Cresko and his cousin Amelia Cresko as well as his aunt Judy VanAuken, uncle Dave VanAuken, cousins Cooper and Moss VanAuken. We’d like to thank our family, friends, and the community for their kindness, love, and support. We are in awe of the response to our loss and are incredibly grateful for the love and support we’ve been given. From the meals prepared for us, the cards and kind words, the memories and stories shared of Cole, and the hugs and care packages, it is all so appreciated by us and proves that Columbia Falls is truly the best town to raise a family and we’re incredibly grateful to be a part of such a community.  Cole’s Celebration of Life service will be held at the Columbia Falls High School on his 25th birthday, Oct. 4th, in the Little Theater at 11 a.m.. 

    Cole Cooper