Kole Robert Swartz

Kole Robert Swartz was tragically killed in an accident in his home town of Clinton, Montana, on March 15, 2015. He left this world after only 19 short years, but – like everything Kole ever did in his life – he lived it large and loved hard.
Kole is survived by his parents, Sean and Jennifer Swartz, and his sister, Emma Swartz. As a family, they spent summers together playing cowboy polo, taking trail rides behind their house, laughing loudly, debating passionately and loving each other fiercely. Kole and his dad would also spend time together hunting every fall. He also leaves behind the love of his life, Brianna Gardner, as well as countless family and friends who loved Kole dearly.
From the time he was a toddler, Kole had an all-consuming love of sports. One of his first words was ball and one was barely ever out of his hands ever since. Kole loved basketball and was a member of the Hellgate High School team, but football was always his true love. That dedication, heart and sheer talent, coupled with 6'5" of muscle, helped make his dream of becoming a University of Montana Grizzly a reality. Kole was a redshirt defensive end that was excited for the future, and couldn't wait to run out of the tunnel and for kickoff this fall.
Kole always filled up the room wherever he was – not just with his size, but with his sweet smile, his booming voice and his contagious laugh. He was opinionated in his beliefs and possessed both the confidence and stubbornness to debate for hours with the strength and stamina of a seasoned lawyer. Once you proved yourself to Kole, he was forever loyal and there was nothing that he wouldn't do for those that he loved and called friend.
Services will take place on Friday, March 20, at 12:00 noon at Washington-Grizzly Stadium at the University of Montana, and are open to anyone who knew and loved Kole or his family. South gates will open at 11:00 a.m., and parking will be free in Lots U, W and T, and on Campus Drive surrounding the stadium. Arrangements are being handled by Garden City Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers or food, please consider donating to the Kole Swartz Legacy Fund at gofundme.com/koleswartzlegacy or via check made payable to the UM Foundation, PO Box 7159, Missoula, MT 59807-7159. This fund is designed to help Kole's family defray funeral costs and to help to start a scholarship fund in his name at the University of Montana. Kole will live on in our hearts and minds and we know that Kole would want to make a difference for other kids pursuing their dreams at the University of Montana.

Read Kole Swartz's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.