It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Cole, who left us far too soon at the age of 18. Born with a genetic condition so rare it doesn’t even have a name (14Q-), Cole defied every expectation from the very beginning. Doctors once gave him hours, then days, instead, he gave us years—years of love, laughter, stubborn determination, and pure joy. 

Cole, who just graduated this June from Three Oaks Senior High School, died from complications following surgery. Our family would like to express our deep gratitude to all of Cole’s health care providers over the years, Doctors, nurses, and specialists here on the island and at the IWK Health Centre. 

While ‘technically’ nonverbal, Cole was an exceptional communicator. His needs, his humor, his love—it all came through loud and clear. He loved WWE wrestling and loved travelling to New Orleans to meet John Cena with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He loved music on repeat, cruises in the truck, and bowling with his buddies. Cole would reluctantly share toys with his younger cousins and was always happy to push a ball around with them. From an early age, Cole would use his iPad to ‘talk’ but quickly, his family discovered he loved games, he would repeat words from these games, and sometimes we weren’t sure whether they were English or Mandarin. 

Cole was always ready for connection: clapping, high-fiving, blowing kisses, snuggling or insisting on a back rub from Mom, or pulling Dad out to the truck for a cruise. He and his sister Shelby shared a connection like no other and he also loved his brother from another mother, Logan MacKenzie. 

Cole’s presence changed the world around him. Our family fought with him and for him. He was the perfect mix of his parents—soft and kind, fiercely loving and determined, stubborn as all get out, and completely comical when he wanted to be. He was deeply loved not just by his family, but also by countless friends, educational assistants and those who faithfully advocated for him over the years, making school and activities more fun and accessible for him and the others who came after. We are so grateful for your devoted care of Cole over the years. 

Though we always knew this day would come, it still came too soon. Our family is heartbroken, yet deeply grateful for every kiss blown, every giggle shared, every truck ride. Cole taught us that life is not measured in years, but in the little things: in the way we love one another. 

Cole leaves behind a large extended family to grieve his absence. His loving parents, Terry and Stacey (Tucker) McKinnon, sister Shelby McKinnon (Logan) and brother Jordan McKinnon. Grandparents Ricky and Rose Tucker. Uncle Matthew Tucker (Leah), and cousins George and Ross, Uncle Desmond McKinnon (Ellen) and Aunt Lora (Art) Stewart.

Cole was predeceased by his paternal grandparents Eric and Marsha McKinnon and cousin Joey Reeves.

At the family's request, there will be no visitation, cremation has taken place. 

A celebration of life will take place at a later date. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to East Prince Funeral Home

In lieu of flowers, donations in Cole’s memory can be made to Make a Wish Foundation, Ronald McDonald House or the IWK Health Centre. 

Cole rests now in the infinite love of those who came before him and those he leaves behind. 

Cheers to Barnaby. We love you to the moon and back. 

xoxo