George Thomas Cole (Tom) passed peacefully, with courage and grace, at home on April 22, 2020 at the age of 83. He leaves behind his wife of 54 years, Marilyn; sister Violet; children Sharon, Dan (Tracey), Melody, Chris (Shannon) and Peter; grandchildren Jesse, Ben, Travis, Kiersten, Zoey, Anna, Elise, Molly, and Heidi. Tom was pre-deceased by his parents, George and Nellie Cole and his brother Norman Cole.
Born in Calgary in 1936, Tom spent his early years in the Edworthy Park area before moving to Rocky Mountain House where he finished school. This is where he developed a strong work ethic and commitment to whatever he tackled that he maintained his entire life. Horses were an important part of his life, whether riding to school, skidding logs out of the bush, or working on ranches. His affection for and gentle treatment of all animals is one of the many cherished memories his family will hold.
He and Marilyn were married in 1965 and farmed near Sundre, until moving to B.C. in 1981. Tom was always dedicated to his family, his farm, his animals and his community. He volunteered his time to several organizations over the years including Scouts Canada as a cub leader and District Commissioner, boys minor baseball as coach, 4H clubs, the Shuswap Rodeo Association and the Sundre and Enderby United Church. When he retired from active farming, he established Salmon Arm New & Used Building Materials. He did not like good materials going to the landfill, and he loved talking to people, so this business brought him a sense of fulfillment and pride.
Tom's willingness to help people and his keen sense of how to talk to them, his sense of humour, his smile and the twinkle in his eyes will be missed by all who knew him. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family at www.MyAlternatives.ca
Arrangements entrusted to Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services, Armstrong 250-546-7237 & Vernon 250-558-0866.
Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services