Edward Joseph Cole, Jr.

Edward Joseph Cole, Jr., 62, passed away on July 20, 2026, at Northern Montana Care Center in Havre, Montana, after a period of declining health.

Ed, affectionately known as "Eddie," was born on August 27, 1963, at the IHS Hospital at Fort Belknap Agency in Harlem, Montana, to Edward Cole, Sr. and Myla Cole. He spent his early childhood in Englewood, Colorado, before his family moved to Great Falls, Montana, where he attended junior high and high school. He later continued his education at Montana State University in Bozeman and Fort Belknap Community College.

Throughout his life, Ed lived in several towns and states before eventually making his home in Hays, Montana. He worked a variety of jobs over the years and was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever it was needed.

As his health declined, Ed spent the last two years of his life at Northern Montana Care Center in Havre, where he received compassionate care and formed lasting friendships with residents and staff alike.

Ed was a true free spirit with a gentle and kind soul. He was known for his generous heart and would gladly give his last dollar or the shirt off his back to help someone in need. He treasured time spent with his family, loved ones, and friends. A proud member of the Gros Ventre and Assiniboine Tribes, Ed enjoyed attending powwows and rodeos, watching television, listening to music, playing bingo and card games, and visiting with people wherever he went. He never met a stranger.

A devoted Christian, Ed loved attending church services whenever he was able. His faith, compassion, and caring nature left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Cole, Sr. and Myla Cole; his daughter, Susan Marie Cole; and numerous other family members and friends who welcomed him into eternal rest.

He is survived by his brother, Shawn Cole of Harlem; his sister, Ann Marie Norton of Great Falls; his son, Edward Cole Carlson of Beaverton, Oregon; his nieces, Madison Cole of Harlem and Alexis Norton of Phoenix, Arizona; his nephew, Cole Norton of Great Falls; his "other mom," Margaret June Martin of Hays; his special friend, Fern Brockie of Harlem; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, stepchildren, grandchildren, extended family members, and countless friends who will miss him dearly.

Ed's legacy is one of kindness, generosity, and unconditional love. He lived with an open heart, never hesitating to help those in need, and found joy in life's simple pleasures and in the people he loved. Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.