Cole Brennan Mika

Cole Brennan Mika, beloved brother, son, grandson, and friend to all, passed away on July 22, 2022, at the young age of 21 in Two Buttes, Colorado. Cole spent his last day doing what he loved most - seeking adventurous thrills with his best friends and brother at a beautiful lake in Southeastern Colorado.

Cole was born on November 21, 2000 at Penrose Community Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Cole grew up in Colorado Springs where he forged a deep love for the outdoors and the mountains. He learned how to ski shortly after learning how to walk, but quickly realized his passion for snowboarding instead. Cole self-taught his way to become a highly elite snowboarder, jumping at any opportunity to make his way to the slopes. Throughout his childhood, there was not a sport that Cole did not try nor excel at. Cole followed in his father’s footsteps in trying his hand at Judo, played Pride Soccer with his elementary school peers, learned how to catch a fish and hunt birds with his Papa, and still remains the ‘Pull-Up’ record holder at Broadmoor Elementary School to this day.

During his early teenage years, Cole grew particularly fond of the game of lacrosse and played competitively on club teams across the state and later at the high school Varsity level. Cole helped lead the Cheyenne Mountain Men’s Lacrosse team to secure the school’s first 4A Men’s Lacrosse State Championship win with 2 assists and 1 goal. Cole became Varsity team captain his senior year and led the Indians to a 2nd place finish at the CHSAA State Championship in 2019. During his junior year of high school, Cole developed a passion for chemistry under the wing of his Chemistry teacher, Mrs. Janie Mueller. Cole possessed an innate talent for Chemistry and solidified his interest in continuing his studies after high school. During his senior year, Cole was honored as a Colorado Springs Rotary Academic Scholar for Men’s Lacrosse. He was heavily involved in the school community and was a member of the Student Council. Cole graduated from Cheyenne Mountain High School with academic honors in May 2019. Upon graduation, Cole was admitted to the highly competitive Engineering Program at the University of Utah to pursue a degree in Chemical Engineering.

Cole was relentless in his drive toward academic success as he maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA during both his freshman and sophomore years of college, earning a spot on the Dean’s List each semester he was enrolled at Utah. Cole was recognized by peers and professors for his earnestness to excel in his studies. He was the first to help other students succeed who were having a difficult time with their coursework. During his junior year at Utah, Cole developed an interest in pursuing a career in medicine and sought mentorship through Dr. Dave Weinstein, a family friend, and esteemed orthopedic surgeon. Cole began a pre-med course track and recently became EMT certified and secured positions both as an EMT and a lab researcher at the university.

When not navigating an extremely rigorous course load or spending numerous hours studying at the library, Cole’s love for the outdoors continued to grow during his time in Salt Lake City. Cole left his footprint across the entire state of Utah in search of adventure and proximity to nature. He would often drive to Park City to snowboard in the mornings just to get a half day of ‘shredding’ in before attending classes in the afternoon. He explored the numerous National Parks that Utah has to offer, including Zion & Arches National Parks. Cole loved to rock climb, mountain bike, hike, fish, slack-line, and camp underneath the stars.

Cole loved his family. He was the brother, son, and grandson that brought out the best in everyone. He was the loudest voice during Monopoly game nights and the first one to reach 21 in Blackjack, the most meticulous chef during family cook-off competitions, the favorite among locals on family vacations, the primary voice of reason, and the north star of his family’s compass. Cole shared a special, unique relationship with each one of his siblings, and he invested in being the expert in all of their interests.

Cole commanded his life in a way that only a free spirit knew how. He colored his routines outside of the lines. He was fearless, selfless, passionate, and loyal. He poured his heart into everything that he did and excelled at everything he set his mind to do. Cole valued thought-provoking, intellectual conversations. He wished to know everyone on a deeper, more intimate level. Even strangers. He became friends with anyone he spoke with. Cole had an innate ability to connect with others and he drew people in with his infectious smile, fist bumps, and hugs to break down barriers. Cole made it his mission to ensure that everyone around him always felt comfortable and happy.

Cole’s life is a testament to understanding what it means to be an extraordinary human being. His impact on the lives of everyone he touched will transcend beyond the 21 beautiful years he spent on this Earth. Cole is survived by his father, Patrick Mika, mother, Dustin Morgan, step-mother, Jennie Mika, step-father Erick Spory, maternal grandparents, Michael Morgan and Carol Morgan, step-grandparents, Ronald & Bonnie Vawter, brothers, Caden Steele and Logan Walker, his sister Tatumn Frances, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Cole is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Ernest George Mika and Kathryn Faye Mika. Those that knew Cole may find peace in knowing that they are survived by Cole’s remarkable spirit which has left an indelible mark on their lives.

The celebration of Cole’s life will take place on Wednesday, July 27th, at 6:30 pm at the Mountain Clubhouse, 4199 South Club Dr., Colorado Springs, CO, 80906.

“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. Each thing in its way, when true to its own character, is equally beautiful.”― Edward Abbey, Desert Solitaire

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Cole’s name can be made to:

https://www.sierraclub.org/utah