Ryan Donne Cole

– Ryan Donne Cole, 28, of Missoula, passed away Sunday, June 29, 2014, doing what he loved, riding his motorcycle. Born Jan. 8, 1986, to Nancy and Jim Cole, and his brother Matt, he made this world his playground.

With his fun-loving attitude and a welcoming smile, Ryan made lifelong friends everywhere he went. He graduated from Sentinel High School in 2004. Proving himself as a reliable and hardworking employee, he was respected in his positions at the Mustard Seed, city of Missoula, city of Great Falls, and most recently the MacArthur Co. in Missoula. Despite his apprehension about going to college, Ryan attended Missoula College and earned a 4.0 GPA – an achievement he was extremely proud of.

In his free time, Ryan could be found doing the activities he loved best, playing baseball, Frisbee golf, pool, fishing, snowboarding, skateboarding, riding his mountain bike, shooting his guns and bow, cooking, playing his drums and, most of all, riding and taking care of his two motorcycles. Ryan excelled at everything he attempted and took great pride in caring for his belongings. He was often seen in his mother's frontyard washing and waxing every inch of his truck and motorcycles. Ryan was loyal to his friends and family and dedicated himself to memorializing his brother and best friend through actions, tattoos and decals.

Quick to offer his help, he was known by all to be a dedicated friend who continuously strived to improve himself and encouraged the same in others. Family and friends saw Ryan as an honest, caring, fun-loving and respectful person who always found a way for everyone to be included. Ryan appreciated humor and liked to make others laugh, even at his own expense. Children loved Ryan, and he loved them, too, especially his goddaughter Rylie, who calls Ryan her "fairy godfather."

Survivors include his mother, Nancy Cole; Aunt Linda Smith (Keith); Uncle David Cole and family; Aunt Diane Betts and family; cousins, Kibbie Jensen, Kaycie Olson and their families; his sweetheart, Kelsey Kojetin; longtime family friend, Byron Harwood; and many good friends.

Ryan was preceded in death by his brother, Matt Cole; father, Jim Cole; both sets of grandparents; and several friends, including Keaton Miles, his best friend and second brother.

In place of a service, a picnic celebrating Ryan's life will be held at Louie and Debbie Miles' house at 630 Fairview Ave. on Saturday, July 12, from 1 to 4 p.m. Parking is available in the Sentinel parking lot.

Memorial donations may be made to the Ryan Cole Memorial Fund at youcaring.com
Read Ryan Cole's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.