Allan John Cole

Allan John Cole, of Clive, AB, passed away peacefully at Lacombe Hospital, Sept. 28, 2025, at the age of 87. His kindness and humour will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Allan is survived by his devoted wife, Annita Cole; son and daughter-in-law, Jesse and Heather Cole; daughter and son-in-law, Aldora and Kalan Exner; grandson, Ellis Exner, as well as numerous extended family and life-long friends.

Born April 30, 1938, in Coronation, AB, Allan was the beloved son of Jesse and Sarah Cole, who raised their family on a farm in Puffer, and later in Clive, continuing a rich agricultural and spiritual tradition. Following the Cole’s reception of Alberta’s Master Farm Family Award in 1952, Allan’s 4-H barley plot received the top award in AB in 1956. From childhood, Allan’s deep connection to Alberta’s landscape and his passion for farming would shape the course of his life.  

After attending Bible College, Allan returned to Clive, working for United Grain Growers and farming alongside his parents. He took over the family farm after his father’s death, and was known for his work ethic, land-management, his gentle, steady livestock handling, and his readiness to help his neighbours. 1981 brought marriage to his wife Annita, and together they farmed and made a loving home with their two children, filling it with hospitality, faith and humour. He retired early, enjoying many more leisurely years on the farm before moving to Lacombe.

Those who knew Allan will remember him for his generosity, kindness, and humour. He was an early riser, a patient conversationalist, always ready with a joke, and an avid reader—he spent hours lost in pages. From The Farmer’s Almanac to history, news, and Westerns, (author Louis L’amour being a great favourite) he loved to go wherever his books could take him and take an audience with him when he could. He told great stories, and though he hated parties, he could talk for hours at the coffee shop or with a neighbour. He loved the scenery of a Sunday drive, to enjoy good food, and was notoriously unable to deny sweets and chocolate to anyone who asked.  

Allan leaves a deep void in the lives of surviving family and friends. His legacy is the peace that follows a man who loved. He loved God. He loved his wife and children. He loved the land he farmed. He loved his community. He loved his life. He deeply loved and he was loved deeply.

A private graveside memorial will be held at Prairie Creek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Hope Mission…

The open house will be held on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025  from 1:00 - 4:00 pm at the Wolf Creek Community Church (5024 53 St., Lacombe, AB) - Accessible Facility 

Special Remarks will begin at 2:00 pm with lunch to follow. 

Allan received loving care from the staff at Lacombe Hospital, from Home Care, administered from the Lacombe Community Health Centre, and from the Continuing Care Access team—special thanks to all who provided such meaningful support to him and his family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Allan John Cole, please visit our floral store.