Leonard Arthur Cole

So many in Thunder Bay know Len Cole as a business man, a contractor… but to his family and friends, Len was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather and someone we could all count on. Without question, he always put others before himself. Of quick wit and with a beautiful sense of humour, he filled our days with laughter.

Born in Port Arthur, Ontario to Viola Cole, Len’s responsibilities came early when he left school to support his mother and 3 siblings (Donald, Barbara, and Walter). Thus, his remarkable work ethic began.

Len met the love of his life, June, at a dance at the Legion and they were married in 1948, raising 6 children: Sandra, Dianne, David, Patti, James, and Jane Anne. Len and June enjoyed 73 years of marriage, celebrating with family and friends their 50th anniversary at the Airlane and their 70th anniversary at the Sleeping Giant Brewery where he astonished everyone when he sang “Some Enchanted Evening” to June. His intense love and dedication to June served as a role model for everyone else in the family to find a love like theirs.

He started construction work at a very young age and grew his skills as a mason into a family business with June. His family often remarked that he was the first to arrive at work and the last to leave. Even when his health was failing, he continued to work until mid-August of this year. Len’s legacy surrounds us and can be seen throughout Thunder Bay and the surrounding districts, including family homes on Matthews Street, Egan Street and Albany Street; business warehouses on Field Street; the Port Arthur Clinic, the Hydro Steam Plant, the Airlane Hotel, innumerable schools, places of worship and too many office and business buildings to count. He was willing to adapt his business into general contracting to change with the times and support his family. We’re certain that he’ll be hard at work in Heaven because it’s doubtful that he’s retired.

Len played Junior Hockey in Thunder Bay with the Port Arthur Bruins and later coached youth hockey. He was an avid curler, playing both men's and mixed curling. He previously served as a member of the Thunder Bay Economic Development Commission, past president of the Clover Beach Association, and past president of the Port Arthur Curling Club. Len and June supported junior hockey, the Port Arthur Curling Club, and Trinity United Church throughout their lives.

Len will be lovingly remembered by his wife June, children Sandra (Ted) Carroll, Dianne Sergy (Ed McFarlane), David, Patti (Jarvis) Sameluk, James (Heather Korpi) and Jane Anne (Mike) Langille; grandchildren Anne, Jennifer, Glen, Andrew, Erin, Bradley, Jeremy, Justin, Leonard, Melissa and Jessica and 11 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his cousins Lil (Derm) McCullough, and Carl Larson of Duluth. Len was predeceased by his mother Viola, brother Walter and his great granddaughter Julianna Antenucci.

A funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday September 3, 2021 in the Chapel of Sargent and Son Funeral Home with Rev. Randy Boyd officiating. Those wishing to attend the service may do so by registering on Leonard’s page at www.sargentandson.com or by calling 345-5351. Those wishing to attend the service virtually may do so by going to Sargent and Son Facebook page.

A special thank you to the St. Joseph’s Palliative Care Program, Dr. Geoffrey Davis, Donald Hutchinson, Amanda Korte, and the entire medical team that supported the family.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.

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