Remembering Family and Friends Couple donate native Kansan’s artwork to support scholarships and research in the college
Tom and Vickie Cole of Hays, Kansas. have donated the only complete set of wildlife art prints created by Kansas artist M. Wayne Willis to the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine and the Institute for Military History and 20th Century Studies. "I met Wayne for the first time in his studio in Wichita, KS. on October 7, 1981 while he was creating an unnamed oil painting that had quail in it," Tom recalls. "I sent some snapshots of the farm where my son, Jason, and I hunted, and Wayne incorporated some scenes into the art piece. He named it 'Covey Rise at Coles Place.' This particular piece has great meaning to me." Only 500 prints of "Covey Rise at Coles Place" were printed, and Tom purchased them all. The Coles are pleased to donate 130 signed and numbered limited edition prints of "Covey Rise at Coles Place" from the original oil gifted, as well as, 55 artist proof prints, and one original oil, all by Willis. In addition to the M. Wayne Willis works, the donation includes many other wildlife items such as prints, stamps, hand carvings, porcelain pieces and many other wildlife items by various artists. Also included is a 20-gun oak gun cabinet (8' x 10' lighted). The Coles hope to honor family, friends and the veterinary profession with these gifts appraised at $242,000.
"Remembering family and friends is the single most important thing to both my wife and me and, with this gift, we are achieving that goal," Tom said. "Wayne Willis was a gifted artist and his works are so unique and special." Willis' oils portray a vividness and realism that sportsmen easily relate to, and others recognize. The Cheyenne Bottoms in central Kansas became an important inspiration to many of his paintings. This area remains close to Tom's heart, because he grew up in Great Bend, just miles from the wetland and wildlife refuge.
The entire collection of wildlife works will be sold, and the college will benefit from 80 percent of the proceeds. The income will be used in support of scholarships to students enrolled in the professional veterinary curriculum and in support of research for animal health and care through Pet Trust, a pet memorial program at the college. "The Pet Trust helped us through the grieving process; it was a nice way to remember our dogs by doing something to help a worthwhile cause. It meant a lot to us that Dr. Steve Mosier took the time to do this for us," Tom said. "We designated our gift towards research in hopes of gaining knowledge in the area of pain management." The remaining 20 percent of the proceeds will go to benefit the Institute for Military History and 20th Century Studies.
Tom and Vickie have owned five golden retrievers, and they have only known one veterinarian in Hays - Dr. Steve Mosier (whom their latest golden retriever, Mosier, is named after). Tom sadly recalls each instance when their first three golden retrievers had to be euthanized, as the health of each dog declined due to strokes, heart attacks and other illnesses. Instead of taking each dog to the veterinarian's office, Dr. Mosier made house calls. As emotional as the Coles always were to lose a beloved pet, it was comforting to know Dr. Mosier was there to comfort and care for Tom and Vickie and their dogs. Dr. Mosier - or "Dr. Steve" as the Cole family refers to him - has become a special friend throughout the years. "I can't stress enough how much we appreciate our family veterinarian. He's done so much for our family and our dogs. This gift is to honor all veterinarians, especially Steve, for caring not only for all animals, but for people as well." "Although we never had the opportunity to meet the late Dr. Jacob Mosier, Steve’s brother, we will always hold the utmost respect for him," Tom said. "Through Steve, we always heard about Jake and KSU and all the wonderful programs Jake initiated and completed at the college. In honoring Dr. Jacob Mosier, the faculty at the college will also be honored."
Tom and Vickie also wish to honor a number of their family members and friends as well as faculty at the college for their efforts and professionalism in veterinary care with their gift - Donald and Dorothy (Rinker) Bowsher, Vickie's parents; Former Senator Ralph and Essie Rinker, Vickie's grandparents; Miles and Ava Cole, Tom's parents; and Joseph "Doug" Kirkman and Donald Markley, longtime friends of the couple. They also wish to honor Smoky Hill Golden Retriever Club of Hays, Kan., founded by Tom and Vickie, which to date has placed or "rescued" over 30 golden retrievers. The college is grateful for Tom and Vickie's insight to make this gift of their collection of wildlife artwork. Additional information regarding purchase of the wildlife artwork will be available soon.
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