Support Rex Cole's Final Journey

Aloha!

Rex Cole lived on Maui for over thirty years and had fallen on hard times. Back injuries received during his time in the US Navy prevented him from continuing his work as a carpenter and he fell into homelessness, becoming a regular and friendly fixture on Front Street in Lahaina. I first met Rex when I worked at Compadres at the Cannery Mall and he was an after work regular there and at Wiki Wiki Pizza, the current location of Aloha Mixed Plate. After not seeing him for several years I spotted him on Front Street and stopped to catch up, learning about his current situation. I tried asking if I could assist with getting assistance for him, but he would always answer "Nah, I'm alright". Whenever I drove through town, I would always try to go out of my way to park and go chat with Rex when I saw him. Rex utilized a walker to get around and while we will never know what exactly occurred, it seems that he succumbed to the smoke and heat during the August 2023 Lahaina Fire.

Recently, the Department of Health reported that Rex's body remained unclaimed, and the community was asked for help in finding Rex's relatives so that he could be returned to them. No family member could ever be contacted so I stepped in to claim his remains as a friend. Arrangements were made with a local mortuary and Rex will be cremated. I will try and gather a few who knew Rex and distribute his ashes in the ocean near some of his favorite hangout spots. A portion will be kept and safeguarded in case any of his family ever come forward. If anyone would like to help cover the cost of putting Rex to rest, please make a contribution. Any funds raised over the $2,200 cost will be donated in Rex's honor, to a Maui organization helping care for our homeless community members. Mahalo!

Here are some anecdotes and comments written on Facebook after Rex's passing:

Marianne Jones - This is my friend Rex Cole. We were homeless together at the Lahaina Harbor on Front Street on Maui. He didn't have a walker then (2018) and was in better health. He looked out for me and helped keep me safe. I had never been homeless and had no clue how to survive. Rex helped. He took me under his wing. Many didn't, including my family who actually did their best to stop people from helping me. Thank you, Rex. Rex's sister on the mainland was just notified by the FBI that Rex was identified by his fingerprints. He couldn't make it out of the fire. I pray for your sweet soul Rex and dream of more friends and family like you. May you rest in love knowing how grateful I am for you.

Oh, sweet Rex, bless your sweet heart and your kindness. You were always a safe port in the storm when I was homeless with you on Front Street. The stuff we survived under the Banyan tree. Every time I hear Spirit in the Sky, I will always think of you. With love and aloha. I feel you brah.

Deb Mader - I am so sorry, Jelena. Through your advocacy and love, I felt Love for Rex too. Got attached to him through your passion to find him. Thank you for all you do for so many, for opening hearts to care for other people, particularly our unsheltered brothers and sisters. May Rex fly high, and may you feel comfort and love as you grieve. Sending big hugs to you, sis. Please utilize support, if you need anything, message or text me. xoxo Love you.

Jay Bird - Rex was my friend. I would see him every day doing his thing. I’m so sorry, he was a happy person!

Lisa Evanow - I’m so sorry. We would always say good morning to him when we’d walk our dog through town in the morning. He never failed to ask us how we were. Such a nice, pleasant guy.

Gary Marr - RIP Rex- record his stories - he is one that made Lahaina, Lahaina. One of her people.

Chris Egan - I’ve known Rex for many years. We worked together for a long time building homes along with Joey Macadangdang, Paul Hopwood, Pat Rogers, Danny Newcome, Trevin Webster and others. They are all gone now except our local hero Joey. Rex was such a kind soul and brother to anyone that knew him. I often wondered where Rex was for several years. Rest in Love Rex! You will be sorely missed by everyone that had the opportunity to know him.

Jeremy Corbin - I remember Rex used to make an Amazing BBQ Turkey on Thanksgiving, Rex was a kind loving man, and he is missed.

Luis Banto - So sad to read this. We spent most of our afternoons at Lahaina Harbor watching the kids surf, coaching and surfing. Rex was always around, and he was always very nice to everyone. May he rest in peace.

Todd Keno - He was really good to me too.

Civil Beat - Rex Cole was a former construction worker who often talked about the many buildings in Lahaina that he had helped erect. Cole, who was homeless at the time of the fires, was described by a friend as a sweet man who loved surfing and being near the ocean. If you are a family member or friend of Rex Cole and would like to share photos or stories to help us memorialize him, please email [email redacted] or call Civil Beat editor Jessica Terrell at [phone redacted]. https://www.civilbeat.org/maui-fires/the-lives-we-lost/

NBC News - https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/many-maui-homeless-residents-still-missing-wildfires-rcna100805

Hawaii News Now - https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/02/19/maui-police-seek-family-members-4-unclaimed-bodies/