Obituaries

GORDON ERNEST COLE

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gordon Ernest Cole (May 23, 1940 – November 20, 2024).

Born in St. Boniface, Manitoba to Edith Peden and Ernest Cole. Survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Pat, daughters Deanna and Denise (Ryan), grandchildren Rychele, Taylor, Riley (Jess) and Evan, great grandchildren Peyton, Chloe, and Oliver. Predeceased by his son Geoff and brother Glenn.

Gord grew up in Fort Rouge and graduated from Churchill High School. He worked for the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool and began his career in 1963 as a Rescue Driver with the Winnipeg Fire Department. In 1999, after 36 years of service, he retired as Acting Battalion Chief and a hero to many.

An accomplished athlete, Gord excelled in baseball, golf, and curling. His passion for sports led him to win many awards, but his greatest accomplishment was winning the Firefighters Provincial Curling Championships and representing Manitoba at the Canadian Firefighters Curling Championships three times (68’, 77’ and 97’). Gord was a Past President and Lifetime member of the Fort Rouge Curling Club.

Gord was great storyteller. He had a memory that could recall every curling shot ever thrown or golf ball ever hit. The shenanigans that took place at bonspiels, firehalls or golf courses were recounted at every family gathering. A lover of all music, Gord played the drums in the Firefighters Band and often wished he had learned to play the spoons and the bagpipes, honoring his Métis, Scottish, and Irish roots.

Community was important to Gord. After residing in Riverview for over 57 years, he actively gave back by coaching, fundraising, volunteering, and serving on the Community Club Board. He also volunteered with the Salvation Army’s Community Response Unit, Toy Mountain, and held lead volunteer roles with the World Curling Championships and the Pan Am Games. Gord had a big heart and was always quick to offer a hand to anyone in need.

To Gord, family was his everything. Many summers were spent road tripping, camping (Birds Hill and Killarney), relaxing at the Grindstone cottage, and later the backyard pool. He was always seen cheering on his children and grandchildren at sporting events, shuttling them to school, playing games of crib, or looking for licorice in their Halloween bags. The family dogs were also important to him, as they were often found waiting at his feet for a scoop ice cream.

You were the best Husband, Dad, and Grandfather that anyone could have ever asked for. We are so grateful for everything you have done for us, and we will carry your teachings on love, respect, courage, honesty, humility, wisdom, and truth with us always.

A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Tuesday, December 17th, from 1-3 PM at the Fort Rouge Curling Club, 750 Daly Street. In remembrance of Gordie’s life and love, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to The Firefighters Burn Fund Inc. (PO Box 45001, RPO Kildonan Place Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2C 5C7) or a charity of choice.