BOZEMAN, MT — A profound sense of loss hangs over Bozeman this week following the unexpected passing of Coleman “Cole” Clarke, a beloved figure in the community known for his deep love of nature, his unwavering kindness, and his gift for making people feel seen, valued, and at home.
Cole passed away suddenly on July 8, 2025, leaving his family, friends, and the greater Bozeman community in shock. He was just 28 years old.
To know Cole was to know warmth. His laughter carried across mountain trails, his presence lit up backyards and coffee shops, and his generosity left lasting impressions on all who met him. He wasn’t just part of Bozeman—he helped define its soul.
🌲 A Life Rooted in the Wild
An avid outdoorsman, Cole found meaning and peace in Montana’s wild spaces. He hiked the Gallatin Range with reverence, cast his line into local streams with quiet joy, and never missed an opportunity to catch a sunrise over the Bridgers. Nature was not just a pastime for him—it was a calling. He encouraged others to connect with the land, to tread gently, and to preserve what we are lucky to have.
💛 A Friend to All
Cole’s compassion extended far beyond trailheads and rivers. He was a dedicated volunteer at local environmental efforts and mentored youth through outdoor leadership programs. He had a gift for listening, for showing up when it mattered, and for offering words of support when they were needed most.
“Cole made everyone feel like they mattered,” one friend shared. “He remembered your dog’s name, your big interview, the story you told him three years ago. That’s just who he was.”
🏡 The Heart of His Hometown
A Bozeman native through and through, Cole believed in giving back to the place that raised him. He attended city meetings, helped organize sustainability events, and quietly supported friends and neighbors in need. His sense of duty wasn’t performative—it was simply who he was.
💔 An Unbearable Loss
The circumstances surrounding Cole’s death have not yet been publicly disclosed. His family has asked for privacy during this deeply difficult time, and local authorities have assured that updates will be shared when appropriate.
In the wake of this tragedy, tributes continue to pour in—stories, photographs, and tearful reflections from those whose lives Cole enriched.
🕯️ Honoring His Life and Legacy
A memorial service to celebrate Cole’s life will be held in Bozeman in the coming days. Details will be posted through local channels once finalized.
In keeping with Cole’s values, his family asks that donations be made in his memory to:
Local conservation initiatives
Mental health and youth outreach programs
🌟 Gone But Forever Here
Cole leaves behind his loving parents, siblings, extended family, and a vast network of friends who will carry his memory into every forest walk, every starry night, and every act of quiet kindness.
Though the trail feels darker now without him, Cole’s light will guide us still.
Rest in peace, Coleman Clarke.
Your love, your laughter, your legacy—forever part of Bozeman’s heart.
