Elijah Cole Kolker-Hicks

Elijah Cole Kolker-Hicks, age 18, of Matthews, died unexpectedly in his sleep from a seizure-related complication, on October 26, 2017, at his home. Cole was born July 23, 1999 in Charlotte to Jeanette Kolker and D. Paul Hicks. He was a Senior at Providence High School.

Our beautiful, sweet, brilliant Cole-Bear. We will always miss you, sunshine boy. You brought so much joy to the world and all who knew you. Your laughter and mischievous smile always magically made everything better. We can't begin to imagine life without you, but are so very grateful for the eighteen years we were blessed to have you with us. None of us will ever forget your forehead kisses and how you would cradle our faces with your hands and stare deep into our souls with your beautiful blue eyes, always bringing peace.

On outings as a little boy, you would regularly disappear like a ninja only to be quickly discovered enjoying the nearest available Thomas the Tank Engine book section or snuggling in the lap of a very appealing but surprised young woman.

You loved to eat and would always come running in the door, throw your book bag and iPad aside, and eagerly devour the meals your dad had prepared for you. You loved crunchy tortilla chips - to you every menu item was meant to be enjoyed in nacho form. Your dad's broccoli/ham quiche, spicy hummus, Thai noodles, cold milk, strawberry milkshakes, McDonalds' fries, and pretty much anything cooked by your beloved Sonya, were favorites.

You grew into a amazing young man who taught us all how to slow down and truly appreciate the finer things in life - warm sunshine on your face, a quiet private space, a good laugh, bubble baths, the sand between your toes, ocean waves, a long car ride in the country with the wind blowing in your hair, snuggles with your favorite people, the feeling of deep pressure as you tried to wriggle your legs under ours, the joy of riding horses, Thomas the Tank Engine, Wallace and Gromit, Spongebob Squarepants, Dr. Seuss, roller coasters, the magic of G-Forces, crunchy Pork Skins (anything crunchy), strawberry pie with whipped cream, warming your buns in front of the fireplace, and the mesmerizing water ripples created by throwing your shoes into every convenient water source.

Cole will always be cherished and in the hearts of many, including: his parents; brother, Elliot Kolker-Hicks; grandmothers, Sandra Kolker, Linda Key and Louisa Seever; aunt and second mom, Kathryn Kolker; aunts, MaryBeth White and Martha Darnaby; uncle, Donald Hicks; great aunt, Mary Lynn Kolker; special mom, Sonya Williams; and special family friends, Ida Bostian and Cris Larocque.

The family will receive friends 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Wednesday, November 1st at McEwen Funeral Service - Mint Hill Chapel. A celebration of Cole's life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mephibosheth Farms Angelic Riders, Inc., PO Box 285, Marshville, NC 28103, online at www.angelicriders.org, a non-profit therapeutic riding center dedicated to improving the lives of the differently-abled, bringing them better health, happiness and confidence; Zab's Place,100 North Trade Street, Matthews, NC 28105, a non-profit that provides training and employment opportunities for the differently-abled, or to the North Carolina Autism Society Mecklenburg County Chapter 8420 University Executive Park Place Suite 810, Charlotte, NC 28262.

Arrangements by McEwen Funeral Service - Mint Hill Chapel, 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227 (704-545-4864). Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenfuneralserviceminthillchapel.com, and we would love to hear any stories of Cole you would like to share.