Paying tribute to Cole Kickingwoman

Our hearts are breaking over the loss of our brother Cole Kickingwoman. A beloved son, brother, uncle, friend, grandson and artist who touched the hearts of many and was taken too soon at 28 years old on January 5th, 2022. Our family is overwhelmed by the amount of love and support we felt last night at his candlelight vigil, as we reminisced all the memories shared among childhood friends, colleagues, family and clients. Although, they were his clients he always considered them friends. We remember Cole as the gentle soul, goofy goober of the family, as a skilled artist and an inspiration to many.

Anyone who had the opportunity to meet Cole knows his intentions were always genuine and pure. The messages we’ve received about Cole affirms that he has always been the loving, kind hearted person we’ve known him to be. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need whether it was friends, family or even strangers. Anyone struggling was welcomed with open arms. Tattooing was the most impactful way he connected with people and changed their lives through his art. While tattooing he enjoyed listening to people’s stories as he shared his. His goal was to provide a safe haven for anyone struggling, wanting to talk or just getting a tattoo. All of your stories you’ve shared with us have warmed our hearts to know he accomplished just that.

Cole always made everyone laugh on a daily basis without trying. He never took things too seriously and lifted the mood by just being his unapologetic self. As a child he would never take off his super hero costumes even as we went to the store. Our Band-Aid's never lasted when little Coley was around because he loved to put them all over his face. When we played hide-and-seek with little Coley Moley he would throw a blanket over his head and say “You can’t see me”. He was always unpredictable with his humor. He would say funny words and phrases his favorite being “SHABOOBALABOOPY!” Not only was he funny with words but also with his expressions, funny gestures and attitude.

In his younger years he had a passion for sports which began with baseball. He played for the Yountville Pirates until he took a new interest in soccer. After playing for NYSL soccer he discovered his true passion which was football. Watching the Seattle Seahawks inspired him to play football for the Napa Saints in junior high then he played for Vintage High School. Cole and his father shared a love for art, our Native American heritage and the Seattle Seahawks team. As a member of the Blackfeet Tribe Cole was proud of his native roots. Despite the fact that he didn’t grow up on reservation he made a name for the family that will carry on and will not easily be forgotten.

Cole’s passion for drawing started at a young age and evolved into his dream of becoming a Tattoo Artist. Although his upbringing may have been a challenge, creating art was always his serenity. His art journey began with nothing but his creativity, passion and motivation to become a self-taught artist. He was so inspired by the tranquility art brought him, he took it upon himself to go back to school to improve his artistic skills and make an impact on others. Cole began tattooing in our home working with low budget tattoo equipment. He worked out of homes of others until he was given a chance to apprentice at a shop in Vallejo, CA. The owner (Juan Desmarais) of Primo’s Barber Shop in Winters, CA provided Cole with a life changing opportunity to accomplish his dream. He transformed Primo’s Barber Shop into Primo’s Tattoo Shop and began his legacy. Cole was a prime example leader who built his business from the bottom up and aimed to reach for the stars, a Phoenix that will shine bright in our hearts for eternity.

We are absolutely devastated by Coles passing and are struggling to find the funds to cover the cost of his burial and memorial. We are so grateful for any donations during this difficult time.

With love,

Lupe Kickingwoman

Galen Kickingwoman

Chris Cowden

Kayla Kickingwoman

Jessica Kickingwoman