Charles Clarence Cole, 75, passed away April 28 at St. Francis Hospital in Evanston.
Charles was given a diagnosis of prostate cancer around six months ago. He dealt with the news and subsequent treatments with quiet strength and courage throughout his illness.
Charles was born in Waukegan and raised in Zion, Illinois. Along with his sister Shirley, he lived with their Aunt Ednora “Nonni” Kinder Smith, after their mother Gertrude died while they were both very young.
Charles attended Benton High School and was a good student, developing interests in music, art and fashion and working behind the scenes in theater.
He was the first of his friends with access to a car, which allowed them to explore Milwaukee and Chicago where they went to the Art Institute and found concerts at the Kinetic Playground and the Quiet Night. They didn’t exactly fit in, as they were part of the hippie movement and were just learning who they would become.
Charles and his good friend Michael worked at a book distributor in Zion and kept in touch after high school. Charles was the trailblazer, moving to Evanston where he began his career as a tailor, learning fashion design and alterations. Much of his work was self-taught.
Charles moved to Chicago and started Second Cycle, repurposing jeans into new garments at a storefront on Broadway in Northalsted, the first of three major business ventures. This was a wonderful time, when he developed lifelong friendships at the Great Showing Machine (GSM) where many a party was had.
Charles visited Milan, Rome and Southern California, which included trips to Hollywood and Shelter Studios. He was into house music—he knew Frankie Knuckles and numerous other celebrities.
Charles ran Caliber Leather out of his apartment and studio near Ardmore and Ridge Avenues; the business specialized in leather coats and fur goods. He had a strong gay clientele, and made leather kilts, chaps, vests and sashes for local leather competitions as well as International Mr. Leather.
His business continued at the Lost Colony Art Studio, where the legendary Alley store is now located. Charles’s skills were amazing, and he loved his work, but it was a struggle. His circle of friends nevertheless keeps growing as they meet each other for the first time. Charles’s memory is surely a blessing.
Special thanks to Michael (Humberto Echavarria) Scalzo, Catherine (Vanlear Willams) Perkins, Gary Page, Mark Thomas, David Boyer and Helen Kane, for being there for Charles and each other.
Charles was the fond, cool “Uncle Charles” to Tim Bonner, Henry and Tiffany Gaston, Trent Robinson, and Anthony, Keisha, Rhonda, Tommy Jr., John Cole Jr. and others.
Preceded in death by parents Clarence Cole and Getrude Kinder Cole; siblings Albet Davis, Mary Harris, and Eugene, Thomas, Johnny, nd Shirley Cole; nephews Vincent Harris and Parnell Graham; and his faithful companion, Midnight the black cat.
Charles has given the gift of sight by donating his corneas through Eversight Vision
God bless you Charles, for sharing your spirit and creativity. Your memory will live on through your friendships with the many people you met and touched along the way.
Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-318-1305.