Gord COLE

COLE, Gordon
It is with deep sadness that our extended family announces the passing of Gordon Cole on January 20, 2013. His brother Bill and parents William and Mary predeceased him. He will be greatly missed by his best friend and loving wife Maxine. He further leaves behind two children, Jackie and Rob, three stepsons along with spouses and 12 wonderful grandchildren.
Born in Toronto in 1929, Gordon lived a long and eventful life. He was educated in Ontario, earning both an Engineering and MBA degree; he finished his career as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Interprovincial Pipeline. Although he had a very successful business career his passion for sport both as a participant and volunteer was equally rewarding of which he took great pride.
His second home was the Royal Glenora which he became a chartered member in 1960, and played numerous roles in the development of the facility, as club president and a key planning member of the tennis facility builds. He is both in the Edmonton Tennis Hall of Fame as well the Royal Glenora's Wall of Fame. As a volunteer he chaired the Weightlifting venue for the 1979 Commonwealth Games, as well chaired Tennis in 1987 for the World University Games. He also held roles in both the Davis Cup and World Figure Skating Championships events held in Edmonton. Gord's life was enriched with sports and the friendships formed thus his keen desire to volunteer.
His passion for tennis and sport was almost rivaled by has passion for travel. He and Maxine travelled extensively during their 21 years together, taking 19 offshore trips around the globe, as well spending their winters in Palm Desert. A true highlight for him was the annual trip back to the family cottage in Ontario in which he helped to build back in the 1950's.
Gordon leaves many friends and family with many warm memories and admiration for his achievements. He will be missed but in his words he leaves us with the following, "I have really been honored with a rich and full life...worth celebrating." Gordon Cole your court is waiting, enjoy the game....
The family would like to thank Dr. H. Sternberg and Dr. Sy-Hua Chiu for their dedicated care, and to the University of Alberta Hospital Unit 3D3 staff for their respectful and compassionate care during Gordon's last hours.
A Memorial and Celebration of his Life will be held on February 4, 2013 at 1 p.m., at Connelly-McKinley, 10011-114 Street, Edmonton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gordon's name to Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.
For condolences, please visit
www.connelly-mckinley.com