Tom Cole Memorial Fund
Tom Cole passed away of sudden cardiac arrest on Christmas morning 2023. Though his family and loved ones are devastated by his untimely passing, we take comfort in the fact that he lived every day of his 63 years to the fullest, and had a positive impact on many.
Tom was an incredible swimmer. He attended Prospect High School, where he won three state titles. His time in the 100 yard butterfly set a state record, which he held for 17 years. His success in high school brought him Indiana University on a full scholarship. He went on to become an award-winning captain of the swim team. In his senior year, he won the Big Ten Championship in the 200 yard butterfly and was named an NCAA All American.
After college, Tom pursued a career in investment banking. In 2021, he retired after a successful almost 40 years in the industry. While Tom achieved success in many aspects of his life, he found profound fulfillment in his faith and devotion to Christian ministries.
Above all, family was Tom’s top priority and his greatest source of joy. He loved making memories with his wife, Kim, children- Jenna, Tara, and Jonathon, and grandchildren- Braden, Claire, Tommy, and Emery. After surviving two previous heart attacks, Tom felt compelled to pour wisdom into his three children. He wrote and published a book entitled “The Narrow Gate: Fatherly Advice For Navigating the Pathway for Your Best Life.” The book is an invaluable gift that memorializes a life’s accumulation of wisdom, values, advice and lessons. It is a remarkable record of a life lived with purpose, faith, commitment and love.
Tom was a long time supporter of Young Hearts For Life. As a family of five, with three affected with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, he understood first hand the importance of the mission of the organization. He was incredibly grateful to YH4L for the work they do, and for how they helped identify HCM in his family. So much so, he references YH4L on the very first page of his book.
He wrote, “We learned about (my son’s) condition because of the generosity and passion of Dr. Marek, who was motivated by families who had suffered the tragic loss of their own children to this disease. This is a perfect example of how a tragedy can become a catalyst for something beautiful and wonderful.”
