Cole Atkinson
June 8, 2017 - December 17, 2017

Austin Cole Atkinson left this world on the morning of December 17, 2017 at the age of 19. He was living in Austin, TX, but was packed and excited to be moving to Oregon. On previous visits, he had marveled at the natural beauty of the Northwest and felt at home there.

Cole was born in Dallas, TX, on June 8th, 1998 and his parents, Kari Branch and Darryl Atkinson, picked the name Cole because it means gift, and he was such a beautiful gift to them and so many others.

Cole lived in several cities during his childhood. At age 2, his family moved from Dallas to Brownsville, TX. They lived just blocks from the zoo and could hear the lion roar and howler monkeys howl from his backyard. He spent time at the beach, and eating all the popcorn shrimp he could find. Only a year later, they moved to Houston. It was there that his mother battled cancer and he was the daily inspiration for her during her fight. His silliness, energy and newfound words and phrases brought light to a difficult time. At five years old they moved to Austin, TX, the city Cole was named after, and he lived there for the rest of his life.

In third grade, Cole learned to play violin and later transitioned to guitar. His natural talent bloomed and his first public performance was at Antones at the age of 10. During his career he performed around Austin at venues such as Red 7, The Continental Club, Club DeVille, Sahara Lounge, Spiderhouse, and several spots on Rainey Street.

Cole loved animals of all kind and volunteered at the Austin Pets Alive animal shelter and several pet stores. He had such a big heart, he wanted to adopt them all. He and his dad shared a deep love for the beauty of nature, and especially loved being among the trees of the Pacific Northwest. Cole was a gifted writer of music and poetry.

Cole is survived by his mother Kari Branch and Kenneth Finnegan of New York City, his father Darryl Atkinson and Ashley Stucki of Austin, TX, his maternal grandparents Sam and Barbara Branch of El Reno, OK, and paternal grandparents Gene and Betty Atkinson of Yorktown, TX. He is also survived by aunts and uncles; Sam and Monique Branch, Connie Branch, Brad Branch Sr., Erin Atkinson, and Deanna and Steve Etheredge, many cousins, extended family, and many, many close friends. He shared lifelong brotherly kinships with his friends Tristan and Jack Reed, and cousin Bradley Branch.

For those who wish to send remembrances, in lieu of flowers, please donate to Austin Pets Alive in Coles honor.

Austin Pets Alive
1156 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78703
https://www.austinpetsalive.org/

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