Cole Cary Christensen
May 29, 1959 - April 1, 2026
Wednesday, April 1st opened up the page of an ordinary day, Cole was in jovial spirits, as he prepared the usual “Continental Breakfast” for his family. Late morning took a sharp turn and Cole was rushed to ER at University of Utah hospital, where he took his last breath shortly thereafter. Our beloved Cole, age 66, left his Earthly life on Wednesday, April 1st, 2026.
How do you pay homage to a person who despises artificial sentiment or “Ooey gooey” sappy words or compliments? Attempting to recreate Cole’s personhood by stringing words together on a written page seems strange. It’s impossible to sum him up. It is so much easier to focus on all the things he did, his actions, through the eyes of his loved ones.
Some people describe Cole as a straight-shooter, humorous, considerate, quick-minded, inquisitive, sarcastic, and blatantly honest with a little bit of sting. It’s hard to nail his back to a grudge because he was also a gentleman of “quiet charm.” His Dad nicknamed him “Slick” based on his unique brand of smart and clever, and sliding golden brass tunes from his “Old Slidebone.
Friends from Highland High School still recount his talent and skill on the basketball court, holding the consensus that he played well enough to eventually dribble his way to a court in a professional arena. Later in life he proudly carried the title of “Papa-Cole,” a name coined by his Granddaughter Persephone. He loved playing basketball with her at the playground, and making delightfully messy mud pies. Nova and Metra hold many memories of Cole. They highlighted his inclination toward playfulness, teaching them how to play Poker, soccer, and how to swim. He made them laugh by trying to dance like Mick Jagger. On camping trips to Tanner Flats and Capital Reef, Cole taught the girls how to build a decent campfire, the epicenter for all kinds of raucous, all night long. They never felt like they “were just kids in the background” of adult life.
“If you ask Marsha, his Sweetheart, “What is your favorite quality about Cole?” she instantly, yet softly shouts out,“He is really good-looking.” During their forty-four years together, It’s safe to assume that she probably unveiled other attributes. Inside this long Union, Cole learned to love deeply. He thrived. The child-like pair traveled the World with a sense of curiosity and wanderlust. Through thick and thin, Cole’s commitment to Marsha had zero limits. When the stakes got higher, he transformed himself into a tender and loyal Caretaker. With predictable daily routines and regular travel adventures, Cole sustained a high quality of life for the Lady he treasures.
Born with fierce intelligence and a hungry mind, Cole researched information on a broad range of topics including Statistics, and various branches of Science. His knowledge of World History allowed him to investigate politics with a fine-tooth comb of discernment, and a keen understanding. Seeing all angles of major world problems, from all sides of debate, he sometimes liked to play “The Devil’s Advocate” to stir things up, rattle a few cages. He also studied Political Science and the Russian language at the University of Utah with earlier dreams of becoming a member of the CIA.
Aliens and Sasquatch (Big Foot) were recurring areas of fascination, since his early teenage-hood. These marginalized creatures were more intriguing and less disappointing than politicians in the news. More mystery, less disillusionment.
Cole was a firm advocate for animals and an avid member of Mercy for Animals, and the Animal Legal Defense Fund. He took on Sylvester, a big black stray cat with stunning green eyes, showering his stable pal with love and shelter. He installed a cat door because Sylvester still loved street life. Cole wanted this little marvel to enjoy the best of both worlds. While driving long distance trips with Greyhound Bus, he spotted some feral cats in Tremonten, Utah. In-between catching sleep, dealing with passengers, and keeping the bus on schedule, he attended to thecats’ survival needs on a regular basis. He captured a pale orange and yellow Tabby that needed medical care. The Tabby was given a new bill of health and a home.
When we were little kids he stuck up for Sammy, our Lhasa Apso. and rescued him from the backyard of a treacherous man who buried Sammy underneath heavy-packed snow. Cole composed a musical score with lyrics about these unsavory neighbors on his Trombone.
A Natural Storyteller, with a knack for unwinding yarns featuring both odd and ordinary situations, Cole told real-life accounts of being stuck on a dead-end street, suspended in time, stalling loads of trick-or-treaters that wouldn’t move on to the next house, while waiting for Breck to return with candy; managing whiny, demanding, entitled passengers on long-distance bus trips through stormy weather; or the perils of traveling miles and miles on a rough stretch of mountainous highway, to visit an Alien museum, only to encounter hours of trouble and frustration. The list of Narratives go on and on. You really had to be there, inside his live, impromptu delivery, to fully experience the aura of Cole Cary Christensen.
Life will never be the same without him.
Cole is preceded in death by: Grandparents: Frankie D. Nielson (Jim C., Gene N.); Jim Christensen; Toy Lashley (Anna, Essie). Parents:Jerry and Corinne Christensen. Brothers: Jeff Christensen; Breck Christensen; Nephew: Alexander Jerry Olson (AJ).
Love Ones left behind: Life-Partner Marsha; Step-Daughters: Metra Barton (Danny Poate); Nova Hayes (Bryan); Three Sisters Cindy Hayward (Steve), Cari Christensen (Joel), and Sally Sunday Christensen. Nieces and Nephews: Jennifer Palmer (Rob); Chris Hayward; Casey Martin (Nikkie); and Marnie Christensen. Grand Nieces and Nephews: Karston Martin (Lydia); Julian Martin; Gabe Martin; Shaylee M. (Alex Marshall); Bailey Palmer; Porter Palmer; Ruby Chaklos (Nick) and Megan Bennett (Dylan); Granddaughter: Persephone Poate; Great Grand Nephew: Maddox Alexander Chaklos; and Great Great Grand Nephew: Archie Marshall.
A Celebration of Cole’s life will take place on Sunday, April 19, 2026 at the Village 2 Condominiums Clubhouse, 4155 South 2700 West Taylorsville, Utah 84129. Family & Close Friends to gather at 2:00 pm and Open Services will begin at 3:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations, to honor Cole to reputable animal rescue organizations.
Suggestions:
whiskersutah.org (Cats)
linktr.ee/fluffsandfriendsrescue (Dogs. Site can be found on Instagram)
In Loving Memory
I’m so sorry for your sudden loss, my heart goes out to all of you. Cole was definitely his own person, one of a kind. He will always be with you. Much love and respect
Cole and I were best friends since we were little kids all the through elementary school and most of Jr High. I think about him often and I wish I would have made more of an effort to get in touch with him. We had some great times on the dead end of Filmore Street. I will be out of town on the day of the memorial, so I won’t be able to be there. I’m very sorry to hear about his passing and I will remember him always.
My Dear Brother Cole, Thank you for being my Brother and Great Friend in this Lifetime. Along with too many other things to mention, I will miss our hour-long phone conversations for years, always laughing that we were too lazy to walk around the corner to each other's house! I Love You & I'll miss you until we meet again. Love, Your Pesky Little Sister, Fancy
I love you dear brother. I feel so close to you —almost like a second mother when you were little. Thank you for the fantastic memories on our 32 day cruise to the South Pacific! Watch over your family from above. You are so loved.
Love this man! So nice to share a love of animals with my awesome Uncle! The world lost a good one way too soon!
I can’t remember any time in my life, where Cole didn’t have a smile on his face. Anytime, anywhere, any conversation I had with him, there was a smile. And despite many of my family complications, he never once, treated me differently. I wish I would’ve been able to have one more conversation with him. I love you Cole, and you will be deeply missed.
I want to express my deepest condolences and am sending an immense amount of love to all of Cole’s loved ones. Cole always showed me kindness when we spoke. He had such gentle, genuine spirit and will be missed very much.
From the moment I met Cole, he always made me feel like a part of the family. He always went out of his way to socialize with me. He was a great man and I enjoyed all my time with him. I will truly miss him.♥️
What a beautiful tribute. Reading it, I’m reminded of just how many qualities Uncle Cole shared with AJ, and how much of him lives on in all of you. I will always be so grateful that I got to know Uncle Cole in this lifetime. Every memory I have of him is alongside AJ, usually at family gatherings, and those are moments I will forever hold close. One that stands out is during Ruby & Nicks wedding, when Uncle Cole and I walked to the gas station together for snacks, I truly valued our conversation and time — such a simple moment, but one that meant so much to me. Uncle Cole had a way about him that was unforgettable. Over the years and time I was around him, he was incredibly intelligent and naturally funny, with a storytelling style that pulled you in completely. He spoke with a calmness that made you feel at ease, yet you could feel his humor and enthusiasm in every word. His dark humor, his ability to not take things too seriously, and the way he could turn anything into a story — it was something special. You could tell he was deeply knowledgeable, curious, and always seeking to understand more about the world, much like someone I know… After reading more about his life, I realize just how much he and AJ truly shared — a love for adventure, curiosity about the unknown, even their interest in things like aliens and Sasquatch. It makes me smile knowing that so much of who AJ was, was reflected in his uncle. AJ always spoke so highly of him, and you could feel the love and admiration he had. I loved hearing the stories Uncle Cole would tell about AJ growing up — the funny moments, the memories they shared. Those stories were filled with so much life and love. Uncle Cole had a genuine way of caring about people. He made you feel heard, valued, and remembered — even in the smallest interactions. That is something I will always cherish about him. There truly aren’t enough words to express the depth of this loss. My heart is broken for all of you. Losing someone like Uncle Cole leaves a space that can never be filled. I find comfort in believing that AJ was there with him - that maybe he was waiting for him, or walking beside him as he passed, and that now they are together again, surrounded by all the loved ones who went before them. That thought brings a sense of peace in the middle of so much heartbreak. Sending all my love, prayers, and deepest condolences to Marsha and the entire family. I am so thankful our paths crossed with Uncle Cole’s, and he will be missed more than words can ever say. Thank you for always being so kind, loving and supportive Uncle Cole, I will forever be grateful for the time with you. You are so missed. -Love Em & the pups
My friend Cole, so sorry to hear about your passing. It's hard to think of a time when we were in school that Cole wasn't a part of my life. So many memories. It was never boring with Cole. Exploring on our bikes or just hanging out, there was never a dull moment. The camping and backpacking adventures will always remain cherished memories. I wish we would have stayed in touch later in life, but life moves us in different ways and directions. I would have liked to be on a bus trip with him. My condolences to his family and everyone who knew and loved him. Dale Banks
See above
In Loving Memory
