Robert (Bob) Cecil Cole
June 24, 1933 to April 24, 2024
Obituary
To view the service for Robert (Bob) Cecil Cole on Friday, May 3, 2024 at 2 p.m. please click the following link to watch through St. Thomas’ Facebook page:
Funeral Service for the Late Robert (Bob) Cecil Cole
Robert (Bob) Cecil Cole died peacefully in St. John’s on April 24 after a long, adventurous and passionate life. When asked by the caring staff at St. Clare’s hospital what was most important to him at the end, he ignored the medical nature of the question and pointed to his children, who will miss him beyond words: Christian, Hilary, Megan and Robbie. He outlived many who loved him: his parents Florence (Voisey) and John Cole, brothers Cecil, Kitchener and Edgar Wiseman, and his sisters Helen Noseworthy, Olive Andrews, Lulu Ringman, and Elinor Curran.
Of all the roles he played – pilot, athlete, radio DJ, proud Feildian, news anchor, fish processor, Hockey Hall of Famer, Brier Skip, Member of the Order of Canada, and play-by-play announcer who brought unparalleled thrill and excitement to millions of hockey fans for over 50 years – it is perhaps the role of Granddaddy that brought him the most joy. A tough exterior was nowhere to be found as he sang his favourite goodnight song at the end of Facetimes and visits with Gabby, Sam, Bobby (Robert Cole III), Lucas and Lulu.
His incredibly charmed and colourful life, which included calling historical Canadian moments like the 2002 Olympic gold medal game and the ’72 Summit Series, throwing a ball to legendary Portuguese footballer Eusebio for a bit of keepie-uppie, and shaking hands with the Dalai Lama, continued that way through his 90th birthday. The milestone coincided with a local airshow by his beloved Canadian Snowbirds. Annoyed he wouldn’t be able to ride shotgun again, he settled for a remarkable rendition of Happy Birthday, sung into his headset by the pilots (in perfect unison of course) as they approached in formation over Conception Bay.
Anyone who knew him well was struck by his unwavering passion for the things he cared about, a list of which is varied and unique: salmon fishing, Broadway musicals, dogs, the Church Lads Brigade Regimental Band, Newfoundland, rowing, the New York Yankees, World War II, flying…. His appreciation for sound and his vivid storytelling ability could bring anyone listening right into a moment: ice floes hitting a ferry’s bow in springtime, Frank Sinatra’s diction and impeccable breathing control, or a marching band with perfect timing.
Along with hockey fans from coast to coast, he will be dearly missed for his undeniable uniqueness by those who knew him best: his former wife Karen, with whom he raised his four favourite people, his children’s partners – Fred, Matt and Jennine, his many nieces and nephews, the NHL players, coaches and referees, whose friendships he held dear and for whom he had the utmost respect and admiration, his colleagues at Hockey Night in Canada, and his dear friends Pat Gallivan, Noboru “Ishi” Ishiwata and Bill Ryan (whose friendship with him spanned 87 years). His family is grateful for the support of healthcare staff who cared for him at the end of his life, and to his good friend Julie Dobbin for brightening so many of his most recent days.
The family will receive visitors at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Thursday, May 2 from 1-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held from St. Thomas Anglican Church, 8 Military Road, on Friday, May 3 at 2 p.m. The service will be livestreamed from St. Thomas’ Facebook page for those who cannot attend. https://www.facebook.com/stthomasnl/
Schedule
Visitations
1-4 PM on May 2, 2024
6-9 PM on May 2, 2024
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
2:00pm, Friday May 3rd
St. Thomas Anglican Church
To Megan and the Cole family, my sincerest condolences for your loss. Hold tight to the memories and the good times, and know your dad was loved across the country, and that you are all in so many people’s thoughts at this difficult time.
use to listen to bob giving out hockey games in nl. on the radio ,he was a good broadcaster he use to be on the radio doing the seneor hockey i nlyears ago.’ rest in peace bob.
What a great example of decency for the following younger generation . he will be remembered
Sending our sincere condolences to Karen and children on Bob’s passing. Thinking of you at this difficult time. Much love to cousins from Joanne (Piercy) & Jim King.
Rest in peace Mr. Cole. You lived a long, fruitful life that brought joy to millions, especially at home here in Canada. There won’t ever be another one like him.
A national treasure. My deepest sympathies go out to his family. He was a part of my family’s every Saturday night. He will be remembered forever.
Rest in peace Bob Ciel lots of sympathy and condolences to you and your family and friends also sorry for your lost 😭😭😭😭
One heck of a legend……my memory of Mr Cole is….back around 1989-1990, I planned a hockey weekend with my then 14 year old son to Montreal…we had tickets for the games but dearly wanted to watch the practice at the forum on Saturday morning….had no idea how to make this happen so I decided to write Mr Cole a letter in care of the CBC….I mean this was before email…sometime after I was at home, the phone rang, my wife answered and said it was for me…after saying hello, the voice on the other end said ” Harold, this is Bob Cole ” to which I replied ” yeah right, who is this”, he laughed and said ” seriously this is Bob Cole “…. he then proceeded to tell me to meet him at the main entrance to the forum on the Saturday of our visit, which obviously we did…..totally blew me away, took us under his wing and showed us around….made for an incredible trip and an excellent trip that my son and I still talk about to this day…….what an incredible man…..RIP Mr Cole….our deepest condolences to the Cole family
To the Cole families and friends we were very saddened to read about Bob’s passing our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time he was a true legend indeed the voice of hockey well loved by all who knew him may you keep his memories alive and in your Hearts rest in Heavenly peace Bob and may God bless you all Eldon Janet Melanson Family
I remember as a child hearing Mr. Cole during Saturday night hockey games. I was a young girl and had 3 older brothers watching the hockey games. I wasn’t interested in hockey at that time myself but I did enjoy and fondly remember Mr. Coles distinct voice and comments. He was the best! Deepest condolences to all his family. Oh Baby!
Our deepest condolences on the passing of Mr Cole a true Canadian legend and a proud Newfoundlander.
You were and will always be the voice of hockey.
My deepest sympathy to Bob’s family. I had the great pleasure of meeting Bob a number of times during my days renting Bob’s condo in St. John’s. A real gentleman. It was such a kick to hear “the voice” only a few feet away…….if only for a few moments I felt like his colour commentator. I’ll sure miss him………
Thank you for sharing Bob with all of us.
We live in the states and were fortunate to watch HNIC and Bob for many years.
He will be missed but not forgotten.
To Karen & family:
My sincere condolences on your loss. Bob was a larger than life personality and I know his loss leaves a void that will be very difficult for you to fill.Please know that I am thinking of you all.
Sincerely,
Eileen MacNab
Rest in peace my fellow newfie. You had a great career and life. Your memories will not fade.
Christian and Family,
Sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. Remembering the good time with him will help in dealing with your loss.
Take Care,
Arlene Churchill
My deepest condolences to the Cole Family on the passing of Bob, a great and humble man who had the best play-by-play voice and delivery in all of his signature moments .. I had the pleasure of working with Bob on fantastic Canadian Stanley Cup winning teams in the 1980’s and 90’s, when I was a young producer at HNIC .. It was an honor getting to work with him, then getting to know him, and years later, spending 7-8 glorious rounds of golf in the cart with him on some of our assignments in Phoenix and California, listening to his stories about hockey and more importantly, the pride that he had in his children .. What an iconic treasure and loss for our country, but even more-so for your Family !!
Christian, Hilary, Megan and Robbie,
Sending sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad. I have wonderful memories of the each of you as students in my Grade One class in Topsail Elementary. You had such caring and supportive parents. Many years later, I would meet your Dad at the soccer field watching Robbie. Also remember the many times I saw him at the Regatta. As I passed the CLB bandstand he would always say “Hello Miss Baker” and we would have a nice chat about the four of you and all your successes. He was so proud of your accomplishments. Thinking of you and your Mom. Heather Saunders
Tina and I wish we could be there – we know Mom, Kurt and Heidi will see you. We have such wonderful memories of your Dad – too many to count. We were so fortunate to spend our Boxing Days, Florida Adventures etc – Misiks and Coles. Sending love to you all. Your Dad is in our hearts tonight. xoxo
My deepest condolences to the entire Cole family on the passing of Mr Cole . Megan was my childhood friend and I have many wonderful memories of your dad . So very sorry for your loss .
Allison Fox
Topsail
To Karen whom I knew quite well growing up in St. John’s
and to the children and extended family members I add condolences to all.
Living in Ontario for the last 50+ years and returning for summer holidays I would often see Bob at the July 1st Royal Newfoundland Regiment memorial parade. Bob was first and foremost a Newfoundlander. Our paths crossed frequently including that most memorable Series of the Century in Moscow in September 1972.
His name will go down in hockey history alongside that of Foster and Danny…what an amazing voice and wonderful guy.
“Oh, Baby”
Jim Herder
Aurora ON
Christian, Hilary, Megan and Robbie and families.
Sincere condolences, on your tremendous loss.
Hold memories, dear.
God speed, Mr. Cole.
Dear Cole family. Am away. Sending our condolences to you all on Bob’s passing. I recall, as a teen late 1960’s, doing yard work for Bob and then many years curling in club events against Bob. Always competitive but sociable. RIP Bob . Keep your happy memories alive and share with each other.
Regards. Brian and Dianne Kennedy
To all family ,we wish to express our sincere condolences on the passing of our great one ,in hockey,Bob. We first met him at the old St Johns Curling club in the early 70’s after coming here on transfer by RBC Royal Bank to the West End Branch. Bob at that point was an active and very good curler a skill he carried to the new club . Our last extended contact with him was at the Brier at Mile One where we watched the only Brier ever won by Newfoundland and Labrador on home ice by Team Gushue. Bob was a special person who brought so much joy to so many people with his wonderful, enthusiastic and unique broadcasting voice for which he shall always be remembered. Bob rest in peace our friend! Sam & Eleanor
Condolences to his family and friends
Condolences to all family, along with Millions of hockey fans ; I recall my time in the R.C.A.F. Torbay-about mid 1957-to mid 1960, attending many many hockey games at THE STADIUM; Following the “END OF GAME”- a group of “friends maybe about 6 or so,(the same group after each game)walked up/over to THE Cochrane Hotel Bar-47 Cochrane St.);for a few ‘Whet ones’ –>> And played the BLAME Game over again–Heading these guys up-The leader was a young “BOB COLE” They were served by (DICK RYAN)-The then owner of the Cochrane. A few of us RCAF. GUYS sat nearby listening, just waiting for the next game, WE left after a few (Whet Ones)-as wee had to walk to the Boulevard Corner-Torbay Rd.) to catch the Airport Bus back to Torbay-;These guys were ‘still into the game’ when we left-They all having wonderful time, great memories–GOD Bless You all–JIM Campbell-Ex-RCAF Ret’D)
to the cole family, wow what a man. he loved dogs and golf and family.
Canada thanks you Mr. Cole. You will be missed but your voice will live on forever. Well done.
MYy condolences to the Cole family…Rip Mr. Cole ..you are truly a legend….Carol Voisard
Those who were with Bob in Grade 11 at Bishop Feild College in 1950/51 were aware of Bob’s many qualities.
Thank you for providing the voice to accompany all my favorite hockey memories.
To Mr. Cole’s Family,
On behalf of members of the C.L.B. and the C..L.B. Regimental Band, we offer our sincere sympathy and condolences to you on the passing of Bob.
Bob loved the C.L.B. Regimental Band and he attended numerous parades of the C.L.B.. When the band played each year at the Royal St. John’s Regatta, you could see Bob standing on the bandstand with the band.
Bob was a key member of the committee entitled, “Marching Home Campaign” that raised funds for the rebuilding of the C.L.B. Armoury after the fire of 1992.
We will always remember his passion and love for the C.L.B. and in particular our Regimental Band.
The C.L.B. will miss him and will always remember him.
May he rest in peace.
As my father, a proud Newfoundlander from Burnt Island would say. “Lord thundering Jesus”….you will be missed Mr. Cole. May the man upstairs provide you with a salmon large enough that you will not have to fib about it.
To Mr. Cole’s family, friends and fans
Absolutely heartbreaking to hear that proud man passed away…a legend and the voice of hockey….an honourable Newfoundlander Labradorian and the best to ever call a game. I was privileged to get to meet him…a true gentleman. Oh, Baby! 90 years of greatness. Condolences to his family, friends and many fans. 💙❤️
Our deepest condolences to the Cole family. Mr. Cole’s voice is ingrained in my childhood and across the greatest moments in Canadian hockey history for so many of us. RIP Mr. Cole, you will be missed.
Rodrigues Family
Condolences to the Cole family on the death of a man with whom I’ve always felt a connection from our first meeting at the 76 Olympics. He was generous, humble and passionate about life and family.
Will miss our occasional meetings.
To The Cole Family
You all always made me feel a part of your family .. your dad was an example to all of us in the hockey world .. on a personal note Coley made me feel welcome from day one and almost 40 years later the great work we did .. the incredible laughs we shared .. and the teamwork so many of us were privileged to share were led by his example
God bless you all and I look forward to seeing you later this week
To the 4 Children of Bob Cole – to so many he was a legend and to you he was simply ‘Dad’. His most important ‘calls’ the stories told to you and your children, his grand-children. I witnessed such a pure love between you all and am grateful for that example. I see his loyalty and dedication to family reflected in you all and how you embrace each other, your nieces and nephews, your in-laws and even your friends, of which I am honoured to be one. May his soul rest in peace and his memory kept alive as you re-tell his stories and shout “oh baby” to the hockey plays.
Kevin and Jane extend our Condolences to members of the Cole family. We will make a donation to the SPCA in his name.
Karen, Christian, Megan, Robbie, and Hilary
I want to pass on my condolences about the passing of your Father.
I am thinking of you all at this difficult time.
I am sure he appreciated all you did for him over the past few years and was proud of you all.
Karen’s Friend Heather MacLellan. .
The voice of God has been stilled. Such a tremendous ambassador for the great sport of hockey. The hockey fans shall never forget the legend of Bob Cole, and all that he gave to the great sport. Rest in peace our eternal voice, amongst the hockey greats, of which you are deservedly one
To the Cole family my heartfelt condolences. My fond memories go back to our days at VOCM , on the road, broadcasting games together. He was the consummate professional and always sought the highest standard.
He was the best and will be long remembered as so.
Our Condolences to the family.
Oh Bob, the greatest memories I have of you were of those of the time we shared working at Shea Foods(aka the Fishplant) here in Pouch Cove). I learned so much from you those years! The meetings, the hard times and those “ unexpected turn of events “ lol!
I shall miss you my dearest friend!! God speed!
To Bob family I offer my heart felt condolences! Rest easy my friend! God speed!
To the Cole Family, Our sincere condolences on the passing of Bob Cole. Over the years and during the hockey season, Bob’s voice had the floor in our house for a hundred thousand hours of the best play by play. Unfortunately and very sad that your time has come and there won’t be any overtime. RIP Bob Cole and thanks for the memories.
Thank you for being the Gentleman of Hockey Mr. Cole … may memories of happier times ease your family’s loss – Rest in Peace
Rest Easy Sir…you did us all proud… condolences to the family
I was quite sad to hear of Bob’s passing, but was also somewhat comforted to hear that he was healthy to the end. My Father and Bob were high school friends, back in Bishop Feild College, in St. John’s, and Dad would often share his fond memories from that time. Sadly, my dear Dad also passed in January, at 90. Their birthdays were only one month apart, which would often come up in our conversations about Bob. Dad was also fortunate enough to play in the Bob Cole Classic, in St. John’s. I believe it was in 1991, and Dad still has a picture and a golf sweater, from that memorable occasion. My sincerest wish is that Bob and Dad are once again enjoying a round of golf together. My deepest condolences go out to Bob’s family and close friends.
Bob Cole put put not only NFLD But Canada on the map just by his voice calling our great Hockey Game.. His voice would draw you in as if you were playing the game. He made Hockey in Canada bigger than the game itself.
There were good and very good Hockey announcers but the three stars were Foster Hewitt, Danny Gallivan and you, Mr. Cole. On Behalf of every hockey fan Thank You. My sincere condolences to the Cole family..
Oh baby.. Im now home.
I’m 48 years young and Bob is who I remember calling games on HNIC. His voice put you in the old barn at 60 Carlton….it was magic! You have made an indelible impact on the game of hockey for those that knew you that way, congratulations! And judging by the outpouring of love and admiration and fond remembrance you had an indelible impact on those who knew you away from our great game, in other areas of your life. Thanks for showing us what legacy truly means and living with class, dignity and humility. I’ve missed ya since Apr/2019 and will even more now. R.I.P. Bob!
My very deepest condolences to the Cole family in the passing of your dad. My mom would be so saddened to hear of his passing.
Your dad was always a very important part of my mom’s life and we all know how important and kind he was to my mom and our family.
May all your beautiful memories bring you comfort at this difficult time.
To the Cole Family
I got to know Bob well when he frequently
traveled on my flights to and from St. John’s
and Toronto.
Please accept my sincerest condolences on
his passing..
Being from newfoundland and listening to you call games on Hockey Night in Canada was a privilege. Your amazing voice and how you brought excitement to our beautiful game. My condolences to all family and friends. You will be sorely missed but your contributions to our beautiful game and the number of people you touched in and outside of hockey will never be forgotten. You sir were a wonderful human being.
I met Bob in 1965 when I started working with the CBC in St.John’s in the summers during my university years. My first daily assignment was as the floor director for our supper hour newscast. That week Bob was the announcer assigned. I have never forgotten that week – I knew immediately that I was working with a “pro”. By the time we went to air Bob just about had that newscast memorized. He would say to me – ” Jim how would you put the emphasis in this sentence”. And he would read it aloud in two or three different ways. Only when he was happy with it would he move on to another story. By the time the viewers at home saw it/heard it everything seemed so smooth and natural – they never saw what I saw – the work , the desire to be perfect every time. That was Bob Cole and he brought that work ethic to everything he did. To his entire family my deepest sympathy – you have truly lost one of a kind. RIP Bob.
Respect and condolences to Bob’s family. One of the greatest ambassadors Newfoundland ever had. His voice will echo in the hearts of all Canadians young and old. Watching hockey as a child with my father on Saturday night and becoming excited by your play by play. Great memories. Thank you Bob for being you and sharing your gift.
Sincere condolences to Bob’s immediate and extended families on the passing of a loved one. He will be remembered as a great man , a good friend and a source of inspiration to many for years. During the early 60’s a group of us would gather at the old Pioneer restaurant to discuss the hockey game that he had just broadcast or to talk about an upcoming event. Bob was the MC at our wedding where we recall he received as many handshakes as did the celebrants. Foster and Danny will be there to welcome him into the fold of Heaven’s greatest announcers. “Oh baby/They are going home”
On my behalf of my deceased father , Jack Kenny, and the Kenny family, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the Cole family! Bob was great friends with my father especially during his earlier days rowing on Quidi vidi lake! My father though so much of Bob that he considered of him as his one of his own. There are many pictures of them together. I also got to know Bob when we worked together at VOCM on Water Street along with my sister Lorraine Maher ( deceased)! A true gentlleman all around! Thank you Bob for the great memories and for being a wonderful friend to our Family! God Bless you!
During that famous series with the Russians in the early 1970’s, I watched the games on television, with the volume off, and listened to Bob Cole on the radio. Even way back then, we knew that he was the best. God bless you Mr. Cole, and thanks for a lifetime of fantastic hockey memories.
Thanks for the games ! RIP.
Karen ,Christian,Hilary Robbie Megan and all you grandkids sorry for your loss . Keep your memories you all have as you go on in your lives .
There was Foster Hewitt,Ward Cornell,Danny Gallivan,Dan Kelly and Bob Cole and now there is no one to call the game…I knew it was over when Bob Cole called his final game.
To Karen, Christian, Hilary, Megan and Robbie , Sending sincere condolences from the McManamon family. Bob Cole was certainly a larger than life character. We sat around the table and shared many funny, moving and memorable stories about our experiences with Bob.. I am sure that you have so many more. Treasure your memories. He was one of a kind. “ Ohhh Baby!”
Cliona and Mairead Mcmanamon
To the Cole family
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. May the wonderful memories you have of your Dad carry you through these painful days. The void will never be filled but he’ll always be in your hearts.
He was so proud of you all and said so any time I spoke with him. RIP Bob
God Bless you sir 🙏🙏
To the Cole Family
He was truly a remarkable man whose presence brought light and inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was the only voice of hockey for me growing up..
During this difficult time, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with your family. May you find comfort in the cherished memories you shared with him, and may his spirit continue to guide and inspire you in the days ahead.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Gary Bahr
To the Cole Family,
Our condolences as you mourn the passing of your dad. Working in radio myself for the past 60 years, I appreciated his immense talent especially when he did play by play for my favourite team, the Montreal Canadiens. We remembered him on my radio show this morning . Such an incredible career and I was happy to see that he had great taste in baseball teams. I also love the NYY. Our condolences, Lou and Sandra Turco, Sault Ste Marie, Ontario
It is my pleasure that I have had the pleassure of knowing Mr Bob Cole.. He gave us quite a thrill or many over the years on HNIC. He will be dearly missed.
On behave of the Clancy family our sincere condolences for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. As King always referred to him “he was a class guy.
Christian, your siblings, your Mom and to all the extended Cole Family, I share in the Country’s admiration of your Dad and send my condolences to you. No matter our age or theirs, there is never a so-called ‘good’ time to lose a parent. Your tribute to your Dad is lovely and I hope reading and listening to all the messages of condolences and tributes will bring you comfort in your loss.
Rest in god care for all eternity
U were my favourite announcer u r the reason I watched hockey games great voice
the lord has prepared a home for u you heaven REJOICE IN YOUR NEW HOME IN HEAVEN Mr Cole
Thank you for all the joy you brought to Canadians from coast to coast.
Thanks for all the excitement & memories Bob you were a true legend that stood above the rest ❤️ you will be missed
To the late Bob coles family and grandchildren it was my pleasure to care for your dad and granddaddy,, he was one sweet gentleman , may you remember all the memories of a true gentleman he was. . Tracey (pca).
Lanes retirement living God bless
To the Bob Cole Family: Our sincere condolences for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. We used to listen to Bob Cole all the time we absolutely loved him. He always brought you to the game and his commentating was absolutely amazing! As a person he was always friendly he always said hello! Love , love Bob Cole! Forever in our hearts Joanne and Felicia Petrolo 28 Claver Ave Toronto, Ontario
I’d like to leave 2 stories.
As seafood manager, I had the privilege to serve him his favourite fresh scallops. His only demand was to make sure they’re all the same size.
As a child, he got me into hockey. And every Saturday night for 3 hours, he made me forget about poverty.
But, I will NEVER forget Mr Cole!
Thank you for the memories Bob . God bless you. CONDOLENCES TO THE COLE CLAN❤🏒
To all of Bobs’s extended family.
A great Newfoundlander is gone.
A great Canadian is gone.
Bob Cole—- a man know by just about every Canadian and every lover of hockey. The game of hockey is better because of Bob Cole. He made us “ feel” the game as he —with spirit —called the games for us….
He will be missed.
Rest in peace Bob.
With sincere condolences
Anne and Doug Johnson
New Maryland
New Brunswick
E3C1J7
Bob Cole was the pride of this city, province, and country. Condolences to his family and to everyone who loved him. Bob Cole was the voice of generations. Rest in peace, Mr. Cole, from a fellow St. John’s native and hockey fan.
I started listening to Foster Hewitt on cbc radio. And after being a fan for 7 decades. No one will ever be as good as Bob Cole. Hockey did not make Mr Cole, he made Hockey exciting, inviting, humerous at times and he is someone that affected me when he retired. I want to celebrate Mr. Coles life and incredible career and the legacy he left. To Mr Coles family, I offer my condolences for this treasure of our national game.
Bob was a patient in our Dental office in Mississauga Ontario. He was a wonderful person with a great sense of humour. Bob’s laugh was infectious. It was always a pleasure to see him even though, he really didn’t want to see us particularly. Always such a gentleman! On behalf of our little office in Mississauga we all will miss him. Heart felt condolences to Bob.s family.
“….. Take it all in.. Give it all out…”
You were the voice of hockey and did so well representing our province.
Godspeed Mr. Cole.
It is with a heavy heart that we write this message. Bob Cole was our teacher, entertainer, voice of calm and enthusiasm for the game we love, in the country we love. We are grateful to have spent our Saturday evenings together for so many years. Thank you Mr. Cole. You will be missed by all.
So many memories thank you
Rest easy
You were the absolute best part of Canada. You will be deeply missed be all. As a child you made me fall in love with Hockey. Much love Bob❤️
I only met you once, and you were a true gentleman. I missed your voice on HNIC. It just isn’t the same…My condolences to all your family and friends.
On behalf of myself and my entire family we send our condolences to the entire Cole family.. Bob was a voice our family enjoyed listening to throughout our Saturday night NHL hockey night in Canada evenings. He brought joy to listening and watching hockey in Canada. He always seemed to bring the best out of every hockey player regardless of the Canadian Jersey they wore. We will all miss your voice Bob but most of all we will miss you. Rest in Peace..
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing my thought’s and prayers are with all family members at this very sad time, I lived next door for about 12 years, GOD bless.
I was very sad when I heard of your dads passing ,many conversations I had with him over the years. He was always so kind to me as were all of you and your mom. When I read his book I was transported through his life as if I lived it and done all the exciting things and met all the wonderful people who shaped his life. I know you were all so very proud of him and the legacy he has left. May the warmth of your memories embrace you all and give you great comfort. Thinking of you all.
Karen, Christian, Hilary, Megan and Robbie,
We share in your sorrow in the passing of Robert. We have great fond memories of the early days at the old curling club on Factory Lane, The 1971 Brier to family vacation in Florida. Robert wasn’t just a friend he was considered family. We were all blessed and fortunate to have been apart of his amazing journey. We are also grateful for the kindness he showed to Andrea’s Husband Michael. He was larger than life, but most of all a kind and generous man with a heart of gold who was loved by many. Lester will miss his calls especially during the curling and hockey season, but most of all he will miss his friend greatly.
With much Love
Lester, Ann, Debbie, Andrea and Meagan
sorry for your loss
To the Coles,
Bob took the games to another level.. He will be missed.
Christian, Hilary, Megan , Robbie
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your father. I had the privilege of speaking with him many times when I lived Topsail & babysat the four of you. Your parents were very kind to me & you were 4 sweet & beautiful children. What a remarkable life your father has lived. Keep your memories close. Take care.
So sorry to hear that Bob has left us. He was certainly a multi-talented individual. I got to know him in the late 60’s and early 70’s when I curled at the St. John’s Curling Club. I was invited to curl on his team, but because I was teaching, I could not get the time. I remember the local hockey games in the mid 60’s when we stayed home to listen to Bob call the game rather then go in person. He was that good. Later in the mid 70’s when I was President of the Newfoundland Curling Association I had many dealings with Bob. He was always a gentleman to me. Liz and I send our condolences to the family. …. Mun Batstone
Thank you, Mr. Bob Cole. You made the game of hockey in Canada and abroad a much better sport. Your calls turned an ordinary game into an electrifying one. Myself and friends always checked to see who was doing the play by play for a given big game. The contest would be more exciting and entertaining when we knew Mr. Cole was calling the game. Most fans, especially Canadian fans would agree. There will never be a talent of the game as you were.
” OH BABY !! “
As a blind man that relies on voices. Thank you and may you rest in peace.