Kenji Brown Cole

Kenji
April 13, 2002- November 22, 2023

Only the brightest stars go through life with only one name; Kenji was one of these unique individuals. When asked why he never signed his last name on his homework, his response was, Why? There is only one of me. Kenji Brown Cole was born in San Antonio, TX, on April 13, 2002.

He was famous for many things: a known choking hazard, a fashion designer, a tattoo artist, a fierce lover of dogs, and a natural athlete. With a wingspan of over 6 feet, he had a mean butterfly stroke and was deceptively strong and fast, but his instincts set him apart in many sports. In the womb, Kobe Bryant blessed him with his hand on his mother's stomach, anointing his love of basketball. He was not only known by Kenji, but also by his other aliases; Hijack, Grasshopper, Kenchan, K-dog, Kenjiman, Boo, and Mr. Tokyo. If any of these people owe you money, his family is sorry to say you are SOL.

Kenji loved Pokemon. His cousins, Colin and Claire, ignited this obsession and shared it with his mom. This love created long drives and meaningful mother-son moments, with treks to battle other trainers while taking over gyms. A heartfelt time indeed. He gifted Pokemon care packages filled with love and clues that hinted to where he might be in the world.

From a long line of artists and the son of a musician, music was his passion. He loved sharing it with his sisters Stella and Ruby, whom he adored; music was his invitation into his soul for his friends and loved ones. He wanted to share it with everyone and did.

He had many brothers and sisters, joined not by blood but by his vast, wide-open heart. He loved with a spirit of inclusiveness, attracting everyone into his family. His heart was always bigger than he could manage; he loved deeper and felt emotions greater than his mind was capable of understanding.

He left us shattered on November 22, 2023, in Grapevine to be put back together in a different shape, joined by our love for him. Our hearts will be re-shaped by the paintings, poetry, music, and long conversations waiting to emerge in each of us he has left behind.

He is survived by his mother and stepfather Kate and Alex Merle, and father odie.Wayne Cole. His siblings Stella and Ruby Merle. Great-grandparents Beverly and Richard Martin. Grandparents Terrilyn and Hugh Scherer, Gary Hagar and Donna Vaughn, Madeleine and Stewart Smith, and Misa and Marvin Cole. His beloved aunties and uncles, Cherie and Kyle, Susanne and Peter, Clarissa and Adam, Jennifer, James and Maura, Sebastian and Corinne, Joyce and Donny, Kinue, Takaichi, and Shinjirou. His beloved rescue spirit dog Gianni, plus the many other colorful characters from the clans of Hagar, Hamilton, Speer, Merle, Cole, and Reece, numerous cousins, and other beloved friends from his very large beautiful and dysfunctional family.

Instead of flowers, please donate to the following:

granthalliburton.org to strengthen the network of mental health resources for children, teens, and young adults for better mental health and suicide prevention.

TCAP-Texas Coalition for Animal Protection www.texasforthem.org