KOL, Christopher John
Passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle on April 24, 2026
Aged 57 years
So dearly loved and cherished husband of Jane
Loved and adored father of James and Sophie, Sarah, Sophie and Billy
Loving son of Adrian and Denise (both deceased)
Loved and admired brother of Nigel, Michael, Rod, Stephen, Jackie, & Penny and their families
Loved and treasured son-in-law of Helen and Noel McNeil
Loved and respected brother-in-law of Sam and Jenny, John and Leah and their families
The stoic patriarch and steady centre of our families world.
You will be so dearly missed.
✝
A Funeral Mass for CHRIS will be offered at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Lava Street Warrnambool on MONDAY (May 4) commencing at 1.00p.m.
Prior private burial
Click here to access the Service livestream
Funeral notice
Service
Monday May 04, 2026, 1:00pm
St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Lava Street, Warrnambool
Get directionsTributes
Leave a tributeDear Jane,
We met at the A2A conference a few years ago and I served with Chris on the CA ANZ Rural and Regional Sector Committee. Chris was a valued member of our community and was always generous with his time and advice. He will be missed. Thinking of you and your family at this time.
May 06, 2026 3:37 pm
Hi Jane,
Only met you & Chris very briefly at the A2A conferences in recent years but could see your loving relationship and had a really good time chatting sport & golf with Chris. Terribly saddened to hear of his passing. May he rest in peace.
May 06, 2026 1:52 pm
Dear Jane, James, Sarah, Sophie & family,
Sending you all love & strength at this very sad time. Such a gentleman Chris was, treasure all those special times.
Lots of love
Neita, Brett, Charli & Jorji Allison
💙💙May 04, 2026 4:42 pm
Dear Jane, James, Sarah, Sophie and to the extended family. So very sorry for your loss of Chris who was such a loved, fundamental and patriarch member of your beautiful family. Sending love and strength Caroline and Phil Kerr
May 04, 2026 1:15 pm
Dearest Jane, your beautiful family and extended loved ones.
Sincerest and Deepest Condolences
to you All on the sad passing of your beloved Chris and father to you gorgeous children.
Sending you Love, Hugs and strength at this difficult time.
Carolyn, Gordon and family ❤️May 04, 2026 1:14 pm
Dear Jane &family
Our heartfelt condolences to your beautiful family …take extra care of each other .May 04, 2026 12:59 pm
Dear Jane & Family, my thoughts are with you all at the terribly sad time. Sincere Condolences to you all x
May 04, 2026 12:35 pm
Dear Jane and family
Sending our heartfelt condolences on the loss of dear Chris .Take extra care of each other …Forever in your hearts xxMay 04, 2026 11:42 am
To the Kol families and colleagues of McLaren Hunt,
My deepest condolences and thinking of everyone during this difficult time. Chris was more than a boss; he was a genuine guy and supportive of his staff during my stint there.
May 04, 2026 11:14 am
Dear Jane, James, Sarah, Sophie and the extended McNeil families.
My heart aches for you all on the passing of a devoted husband, father, son-in-law, brother and uncle.
A brilliant man all but taking to soon.
May he know rest in eternal peace
Michelle, Cameron, Kelsey & Braedyn RossMay 03, 2026 8:21 pm
My sincere condolences to Chris’s immediate and extended family on his passing. I knew Chris through our professional circles and always found him thoughtful, genuine, fun and easy to work with. He will be remembered fondly. David Rae.
May 03, 2026 8:06 pm
Dear Jane & Family, our deepest condolences to you all on the passing of Chris. Taken way before his time. Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Lyn, Mick & Family 💐May 03, 2026 7:09 pm
Dearest Jane, James, Sarah and Sophie,
I am so sorry that you have lost your beautiful husband and dad. My love and heart goes out to each of you and I know your world will never be the same again. Chris was such a wonderful person. He lit up everything and everyone around him with his big smile, kindness and generosity.
I am unable to be at his funeral, but will be aending you much love and thoughts on what will be an extremely difficult day for each of you.
All my love,
Virginia xoxo💔✨💫May 03, 2026 12:33 pm
Dear Jane, thinking of you are your family, such a devastating loss.
Hugs,
Michelle & GavMay 03, 2026 12:16 pm
Chris, you were family in every sense of the word, and like an uncle to me. I’ll always be grateful for the memories of you teaching me to ski, and for the many life lessons, values and qualities you shared that continue to shape my approach to life every day.
You lived with strength, integrity and generosity, and Matt Davis always felt so welcomed by you.
You loved Jane, James, Sarah and Sophie so proudly and so well. We will always look out for them, as you always did us.
You will be deeply missed and always remembered with love and admiration.
Matt Walsh and Matt Davis
May 03, 2026 10:01 am
Dear Jane, James & Sophie,
Chris was an amazing husband and father and someone who brought people together so effortlessly.
He was an incredible host who had a real gift for organising everyone for family gatherings and the kind of person who made everyone feel welcome, comfortable, and part of something special.His presence was truly larger than life, and it’s hard to imagine those moments without him at the centre of them.
Lots of love
Dianne, Gary and Walsh familyMay 03, 2026 9:54 am
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Chris. I offer my sincere condolences to Jane and family. I am thinking of you all at this most difficult of times. Robert Benbow. Hamilton
May 02, 2026 10:40 am
“When through one man a little more love and goodness, a little more light of the truth comes into the world, then that man’s life has had meaning.”
Thank You Chris .
A dear friend who will be forever remembered.Jen and Rob
PS. Thanks for your guidance and support on the recent Lawnmower purchase
May 02, 2026 12:56 am
Sincerest condolences to Jane and family. Thoughts go out to James and Sophie and all of Chris'family at this time from the staff of Kip McGrath Warrnambool.
May 01, 2026 3:05 pm
We were shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Chris. A wonderful man held in high regard by all. Deepest sympathy to Jane and all his loving family. x
Tracey van Rooy & Mark KirchnerMay 01, 2026 2:04 pm
My deepest sympathy to you Jane, Michael, Nigel, your families, and all those who loved Chris. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this incredibly sad time. Love Robyn x
May 01, 2026 2:03 pm
Jane my sincere condolences and prayers to you and your family with the passing of Chris. Thinking of you.
GlenMay 01, 2026 10:50 am
Our deepest condolences to Jane and family and to the extended Kol and McNeil families on the passing of Chris.
We are all shocked to hear of the very sad news.
We remember Chris for the great times we all had together at Warrnambool Institute in the 1980’s.
Rest in Peace Chris
Adrian McKenzie, Adrian McNeill, Brad Porter, Don Kean, Gerard Moloney, Kevin Hoy, Michael Dickson and Tim Fulton
May 01, 2026 9:49 am
All my condolence to the kol family
April 30, 2026 5:11 pm
Love and Prayers To Chris's Family At this very sad time, thoughts and Prayers to Michael and Nigel and Families, Thinking Of you all xx
April 30, 2026 12:43 am
Dear Jane and families, our deepest sympathies on the passing of Chris. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Peter, Kate, Emily, Sophie and Connor McDonald x
April 29, 2026 8:24 pm
Dear Jane and family
Thinking of you all at this very sad time . Chris was a great mentor to me when I joined the Committee of Management of WRAD Health many years ago. He was a great Treasurer kind reliable and so hard working and we will always value his contributions to the Committee. With kindest regards
Carolyn MonaghanApril 29, 2026 7:34 pm
Jane, James, Sarah and Sophie,
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of Chris. A wonderful man.
Gone too young.
Condolences from Anne and Michael Humphris 🕊️April 29, 2026 4:23 pm
Dear Jane, James,Sarah, Sophie, the Kol and McNeil families, sending love and sincere sympathy on the passing of your beloved Chris.
Your memories are more precious, even touched as they are by sorrow,
Treasure them safely in your heart, as they help you through tomorrow. XX ❤️April 29, 2026 3:03 pm
Emmanuel College extends its sincere condolences to the family of Chris.
Chris was a highly respected member and supporter of the College Community, and his wisdom, guidance, actions and commitment will continue to benefit our community well into the future.
On behalf of the Emmanuel College Foundation and our College staff, we offer our thoughts and prayers to Chris's family, loved ones and colleagues during this difficult time.
Emmanuel College
April 29, 2026 2:31 pm
Dear Jane, and family, I am feeling sorry for you at the loss of Chris so soon. My prayer is that you will know God and Chris' Strength and Peace. Lawrie
April 29, 2026 2:30 pm
Dear Jane and family, sending much love to you all with the passing of Chris, certainly makes you believe in angels xxxx
Shaz Ludeman ❤️April 29, 2026 11:49 am
Dear Jane, James, Sarah, Sophie, the McNeil and Kol families
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of Chris, a man whose presence make our world a little steadier and a lot brighter.
For those of us that lived alongside him, he was the gold standard of what a neighbour should be: a great family man, always friendly, helpful and hospitable.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
With love from Ellen, Georgie, Tas, James, Marcus, Alix, Claudia, Tristan and the extended Dwyer familyApril 29, 2026 11:47 am
The Warrnambool Football & Netball Club extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Chris.
Chris was a valued member of our club, and his passing is felt deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His contribution, support, and presence around the club will always be remembered and greatly appreciated.
On behalf of the Board, players, members, and supporters, our thoughts are with Chris' loved ones during this difficult time.
April 29, 2026 9:58 am
To Jane and family, so sorry for the loss of Chris. I am thinking of you and your family at this time. There will be many people greatly affected by Chris's passing. Through difficult times good friends remain to help you through.
Jo HealeyApril 29, 2026 8:36 am
Dear Jane, James, Sarah, Sophie and family.
We are devastated for you upon the passing of Chris your adored husband and father.
May he rest peacefully
Sending our deepest condolences and love.
Kylie, Matt, Bella Lewis and family xoApril 28, 2026 9:05 pm
Dear Jane, James, Sarah, Sophie, Kols and families, deepest sympathy to all.
Chris will be greatly missed throughout the entire community, a great man who offered his time constantly and sought no recognition for all of his volunteering work.
So many great memories will live in our hearts forever, those unforgettable trips to the track and many more great times.
Rest in peace King
April 28, 2026 8:59 pm
Dear Jane and family
Heartfelt love and thoughts on the passing of Chris
Maureen Morgan and Peter and Antoinette BurkeApril 28, 2026 7:49 pm
Chris was a great boss and genuinely nice man. During my time at Coffey Hunt,the love and affection he had for his family shone through every conversation. Deepest, heartfelt sympathy to Jane, James, Sarah, Sophie and the McNeil and Kol families.
Nicole Goh
April 28, 2026 7:10 pm
We send our deepest sympathy to Chris’s family and colleagues, and with our appreciation for his support to the Friends of St Brigids
April 28, 2026 7:01 pm
Condolences to the extended Kol Clan.
April 28, 2026 5:45 pm
Dearest Jane, James, Sarah, Sophie the McNeil Family, Kol Family, McLaren Hunt Financial Group, Coffey Hunt & Work Colleagues, words will not help at such a great loss to Warrnambool....
Chris…
You were the steady one, quiet, strong, and always there when it mattered most.A man who showed his love through actions, through loyalty, and through the way you held Jane, and his family together.
You were and always will be, the center of their world, and that will never change.You will be so dearly missed, Chris...…
And so quietly, powerfully remembered.
Let my prayers give you strength, Jane, Nigel & Tracey
April 28, 2026 5:26 pm
Our sincere condolences to Jane, Nigel, Michael, Rodney, Stephen, Jackie, Penny and their families on the sudden passing of Chris. Our love and thought are with you. Heather & Peter Murphy
April 28, 2026 4:43 pm
Deepest sympathy to Jane and families on the loss of Chris. Thinking of you all at this sad time, love Dianne and Geoff.
April 28, 2026 3:26 pm
To Jane and family,
I'm very sorry to hear this sad news about the passing of Chris.
As a former school mate, he was a great guy and always happy to see you - no matter how long it had been since we had caught up.
My deepest condolences to you, and to the extended families.
Such sad news.
Take care.April 28, 2026 3:02 pm
My thoughts are with you Jane, Michael, and Nigel and your families on the sad passing of Chris. A lovely man taken way to soon.
April 28, 2026 1:18 pm
Dear Jane, James, Sarah, Sophie and families Sending you lots of love at this heartbreaking time
Love Lara, Martin, Isaac and Ryan xxApril 28, 2026 11:51 am
Jane & families
So saddened to hear of Chris’ passing. Chris was a great boss/colleague & a truly lovely person. I feel grateful to have known him & he will be remembered with great fondness.
Heartfelt condolences
Fiona & Tony GallApril 28, 2026 11:50 am
Dear Jane, James, Sarah, Sophie and families we are thinking of you all at this heartbreaking time, the loss of such a special man.
Love to you all Tony and Leanne Graham xApril 28, 2026 10:50 am
Dear Jane, James, Sarah, Sophie and families we are thinking of you all at this heartbreaking time the loss of such a special man.
Love to you all Tony and Leanne GrahamApril 28, 2026 10:48 am
To Jane and family, our hearts are aching for you over the loss of such a wonderful man, take care and our thoughts are with you all. Kerri and Mick Struth.
April 28, 2026 7:31 am
Dear Jane and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Chris is now at peace as we treasure the happy memories of our lifelong friendship with the Kols.
April 28, 2026 7:28 am
To Jane, James, Sophie, Sarah and families and friends please accept my deepest sympathy on the very sad loss of your beautiful Chris, I wish Jane I could come and do your hair for you and you are in my thoughts
Barb HeazlewoodApril 27, 2026 11:58 pm
A good man from a great family. My deepest condolences to Chris' family. RIP.
April 27, 2026 11:52 pm
Dear Jane, Condolences to you all at this sad time. We are so sorry to hear of Chris' passing. Taken far too young.
Ros & Ants. XxApril 27, 2026 9:07 pm
To Jane, Nigel, Michael and families
Sincere condolences to you all on Chris’s passing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.April 27, 2026 8:19 pm
Dear Jane, and family, so sorry for the loss of your beloved Chris, husband and father. My condolences to the Kol and McNeil families and his colleagues and friends. 🌈🌹😩
April 27, 2026 6:06 pm
Deepest condolences to Jane, James, Sarah, Sophie the McNeil Family & Kol Family...so very sad to hear. Thoughts are with you all on Chris's passing. Love & hugs
April 27, 2026 4:57 pm
I only knew Chris for a short time and through work; a finer person would be hard to find.
My deepest sympathies to the family.
April 27, 2026 4:44 pm
Jane and family
Thinking of you all at this terribly sad time. Taken far too young. Wishing you strength and comfort as you navigate this heartbreaking time xoApril 27, 2026 4:42 pm
Dear Jane, James, Sarah & Sophie.
Memories will last forever,neighbours at Jamieson Street, races a wonderful fun time over many years.
Beautiful person taken far too early, our love to all family members,friends and work colleaguesRest Peacefully Chris.
Forever young.
Joy and Ian xx
April 27, 2026 2:27 pm
To Dearest Jane, James, Sarah , Sophie, McNeil & Kol famalies , my heart is breaking for you all on the passing of Chris 🙏
I pray for you all as you move through this most difficult time & I hope all your past happy memories help you through 🌹
Sending love ❤️, hugs 🤗 & heart felt thoughts to you all 🩵🥀🩵
Jules Threlfall-Ryan 🌸April 27, 2026 1:19 pm
Dearest Jane and all your beautiful family….I extend my sincerest sympathies and love at this sudden sad loss of dear Chris…I have such happy memories of my time with you all in Blackburn and Warrnambool …May you be comforted by all who loved Chris ….Faye Humphris
April 27, 2026 12:50 pm
Jane. I was shocked to see this news. Please accept my deepest sympathy to you and your beautiful children. Ruth.
April 27, 2026 12:15 pm
Dear Jane, James, Sarah & Sophie
Our Heartfelt & Sincere condolences to you all…Chris always a true gentleman, loved a chat & catchup with us.
I thank you both’ every day
Chris & Jane for giving me the opportunity to re-start my world a longtime ago!
Long time strong connections…Our Condolences also to the Kol & McNeil families.
Annemaree, Laurie & Michael Stonehouse
April 27, 2026 11:42 am
Deepest condolences to Jane and family on the passing of Chris.
During my time at Coffey Hunt, Chris always spoke so proudly of his family, he was a lovely man.April 27, 2026 11:09 am
Dear Jane, James, Sarah, Sophie, Sophie G & Billy
Our hearts are truely shattered and we can’t imagine the depths of what you are all going through.
Chris was such a special part of our lives and we shared some incredible memories together.
They are moments we will now cherish more than ever.
Koly we love you deeply and will miss you more than words can ever express.
Forever in our hearts
Mark, Tiff , Thomas, India, Liv, Meg, Jaidyn and Jansz xxApril 27, 2026 9:00 am
Jane our heartfelt condolences to you all on the passing of Chris. Know that we are thinking of you all and sending lots of love and strength ❤️❤️
April 27, 2026 8:48 am
To family, friends and colleagues of Chris, I offer my deep condolences. Chris was always kind, noble and elegant.
I am unable to attend the funeral however I will be there in spirit.
David Downing
April 27, 2026 7:55 am
So sad to hear of you loss, sending love to you Jane and your family X
April 27, 2026 6:18 am
Dear Jane, James, Sarah and Sophie, McNeil family and Kol family, Bruce and I offer you all our deepest sympathy, love and prayers. Your wonderful memories and love for Chis I hope offers you some comfort and strength.
Your darling Chris offered our son, while he studied at university, an opportunity to join him at Coffey Hunt. Chris the mentor could not have offered our our son more opportunities, guidance and friendship.
We will forever remember Chis as the kind and generous person he was.
Love, sympathy and prayers
Bruce and Anne Kerr.April 26, 2026 9:13 pm
Shocked to hear very sad news Chris passing . Wonderful husband and father. Love hugs Geraldine Peter Rache and John Melican
April 26, 2026 8:24 pm
Jane and family we are so sorry for the lost of Chris. Our thoughts and prayers to you all.Anne and Nooka Taylor
April 26, 2026 5:52 pm
Jane, James, Sarah and Sophie we have no words to convey how devastated we are to hear this news. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. xxx
Karan and StanApril 26, 2026 3:59 pm