Roll Call Tribute

Daniel Cole Fields 

February 25, 1993 - September 14, 2024 

Daniel Cole Fields was born in Austin, TX on February 25, 1993 to Daniel Akira and Joni Sue (Hendrickson) Fields.

Cole was a happy and healthy baby full of life. He did more in his 31 years than most. He was a beloved son, oldest of two, big brother to Carl Joseph “CJ” Fields. His idea of a career was very different than his parent’s, valuing experiences and travel over a cubicle and stability. People loved Cole and his passion for life, living vicariously through his adventures.

Cole was intelligent, had a wry sense of humor and an infectious smile. He was known for doing things “his way”, always pushing the boundaries. He had a passion for quality tools and gadgets which he used to do incredible things. He pursued many ideas including LocalArtWorks and MachiGatta. He had a gift of connecting with people on a real and personal level. He could speak with anyone about anything and loved learning new things.

Cole was adventurous and spontaneous. He crewed on the Joides Resolution, a scientific research ship in the Indian ocean studying climate change, delivered a superbike from California to Texas, worked out-of-state festivals, rode his Ducati in the winter to Denver to attend his friend’s bachelor party, played his guitar and sang at open mic nights as well as performed in stand-up comedy. He volunteered for the Rainforest Partnership and art shows in the Austin area.

Cole was remarkably creative and was seemingly able to do anything amazingly well. Whether it was sports, music, chess, art or making furniture. He played soccer, loved cycling, darts, pool, bouldering and woodworking. He was an amazing chef and cook – you were lucky if you ever enjoyed one of his tasty gourmet meals.

In High School, Cole was selected for the Duke Talent Identification Program (TIP). He attended the pre-college program at the University of California Berkeley his sophomore year and completed the Brown University pre-college program the summer following his junior year. He studied under the International Baccalaureate Program, graduating 35th in his High School class. A 2011 graduate of Leander H.S., Cole would continue his education at Texas A&M graduating in 2015 with a Bachelor Degree in Environmental Geo-Science with a minor in meteorology and geography.

Unfortunately, things weren’t always happy for Cole and he sometimes went to dark places. In spite of his many gifts, he was incredibly fragile. Fortunately, he had family and friends which provided him amazing support. Thank you all! You inspired Cole and gave him reasons to create and persevere.

On September 14, 2024, sadly Cole’s parents learned he had lost his battle with mental illness. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Patsy (Barker) Hendrickson and paternal grandfather, Daniel Graham Fields.

Cole is survived by his parents, Dan and Joni (Hendrickson) Fields, Canyon Lake, TX, brother Carl “CJ” Fields, Austin, TX, paternal grandmother, Fumiko Hara Fields, Bremerton, WA, maternal grandfather Carl Herbert Hendrickson, Macomb, IL, his Uncle Steven (Allison) Hendrickson, Houston, TX, cousins Lillis (Ethan) Hendrickson and their two children, Wren and Ward, Charlotte, NC, Sarah Hendrickson, Houston, TX, William (Olivia) Hendrickson, Houston, TX and his beloved pet, Lily.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Cole’s memory to Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) or Mental Health Initiative (MHI).

IN THE CARE OF
Zoeller Funeral Home