Forever loved, forever remembered, Forever Cole

At 11 am on Saturday, July 2, a large group of people will be standing at the intersection of 39 Street and 55 Avenue to watch a sign change. The Town of Whitecourt will be placing a named plate to mark 39 Street in honour of Corporal Cole Bartsch. Killed in action in Afghanistan, this year is the fifteenth anniversary of his passing. Cole was only 23 years old when he died, a proud 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry member.

Each year, the Bartsch Family holds an event in Cole’s honour on the weekend closest to July 4, the day he passed in 2007. A weekend of camping, games, and stories has become a tradition that brings comfort, and it all takes place at her mother’s acreage. “Our family is expecting about eighty people to come up this year. My brother’s platoon, those that are left, are all trying to get together and come as a group,” explained Tara Bartsch, Cole’s sister. “I think this would be the first time they are all together again since it happened (his passing). I know a couple quit right after because it was a huge loss. They had lost so many of their brothers. Seeing some of your friends go like that is a lot to process. So, we are hoping they can come. It’s still in the air. We have one guy actively working on making it happen, but either way, we have a few from his platoon that are coming.”

She said there are also high school friends coming, and some of Cole’s football player family that he played with in high school are also attending. “There will be active military, former military, friends, and my family. Depending on if plans work out, we could potentially see a couple of hundred people that weekend.”

Tara said that putting on the event means everything to her mother. “It’s really for my mom that we put this together every year. She doesn’t want him to be forgotten. We come together for my parents. You don’t want to see family because someone has died, but it is an awesome tribute to my mom and brother. That way, she’s not alone either.”

Adding the street naming to an already special weekend will make this year’s celebration of life much more special. “It means a lot to us. He’s part of Whitecourt, and this is honouring him,” explained Tara. “We are hoping that anyone and everyone can come.”

As for the connection to the area, Tara said it couldn’t be more perfect. “When we first moved to Whitecourt, we lived in the River Valley Estates. The new River Valley Estates didn’t exist then; it was just a field. We played there all the time. We played football and tag. We build winter forts and have so many childhood memories in that field. Whitecourt is letting us name that street in Cole’s honour, and we are grateful for that,” said Tara. “It’ll be good. Whitecourt continues to be amazing to us.”

The weekend will start on Friday, July 1, with a BBQ supper at six. Those wanting to camp through the weekend can pull in that day, but anyone can show up anytime. “Saturday is the big day when everything happens. At 11 am, we will go into town for the sign naming. After that, we will drive out to my mom’s acreage, and there will be yellow ribbons on posts to mark the way.”

Tara provided directions in hopes of seeing new faces. “You turn at the Flying J onto West Mountain Road. Then you turn left onto Tower Road. Keep watch for the yellow ribbons; they will lead you. At the fork in the road, stay left and watch for Kayden Lane. You’ll see a Canadian flag and the yellow ribbons. Once you see the flag, turn there. Our driveway is marked by three blue spheres with many Canada flags decorating it. You can’t miss us.”

For those who go, there are door prizes made by local residents, a big volleyball tournament, good food and great conversations. Attending is free as the comfort the company brings is payment enough. “We played volleyball as a family whenever we went camping or got together. We hold a big volleyball tournament in Cole’s honour, and the more, the merrier.”

Tara said she holds special volleyball memories with her brother, Cole, which is why they choose to do it each year. “Growing up, we were never allowed to play volleyball with the adults until we were older, like 16. Cole would always try to spike the volleyball because he was like the tallest person in the family,” she chuckled. “Because of him, the rule now is no spiking. Ha-ha! He would always do it. I remember the summer we were old enough to play. That was the ultimate! I’m sure if he were here today, he would be telling mom to break the rules and let all the kids play,” she laughed.

After Saturday’s volleyball tournament, there will be a big potluck supper at 6 pm, followed by a dance and storytelling time. Tara added that there is also a pool and that children are welcome. On Sunday morning, there is a big pancake breakfast for everyone, followed by a visit to the gravesite. “We play a few songs, talk about him and spend some time there as a group. It’s an important part of honouring him.”

Tara said that sharing Cole’s story and inviting people to come and celebrate his life keeps him here. “It’s a comfort thing for me. My friends can come out, and we can hang out together. For my mom, the more people who know his story, the more it gets told and won’t be forgotten. Everyone who comes out is supporting us, and we appreciate that so much. It’s a hard weekend, but the more people are there, the more comfort we feel.”

When 11 am strikes on July 2 and Tara steps in front of the crowd to say a few words about her brother, Cole, a hero who gave his life in the protection of his country, she hopes he will provide her with the words to speak. “We are a super close family, so Cole knows we would do this for him. I think he would love it.” Undoubtedly, he will be there beside her, holding her hand and helping her when she needs it most.