Obituary of George Wayne Cole

It is with profound love and sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved “Geo”, on Father’s Day Sunday June 15, 2025, following a positive and resilient journey through cancer.  A born survivor, throughout life he faced the cards he was dealt with strength, determination and defiance, like no other.  He did not call it a battle, because as always, he said he was in the driver’s seat, and it was up to him to say when he was done.

Born in Montreal, PQ in 1950, he was the son of the late George Henry Cole and the late Irene Mary (Vail) Cole. His life took him from Montreal to Newfoundland and finally as a young teen to Saint John where shortly after, he and his six siblings tragically lost their dad to a drunk driver.  

At 15 years of age as the oldest boy of 7 siblings, he went to work doing many odd jobs to help his mom make ends meet.  George was forever grateful to the late Roy Lawson, who not only helped his family immensely during this time but also gave him his first real job and later a car when he turned 16.   George learned a lot about working on cars and trucks, and to him they were toys for big boys. In 1973 he began his career as a Fire Fighter for the Rothesay Fire Department. He spent his days off from the fire department working as a Medic for the Saint John Regional Hospital ambulance. It was on one of his many trips to the Emergency Department in 1985, where he first spied an emergency room nurse, his “sweetie” and soul mate, Sue (also a Newfie, who as fate would have it, also ended up in Saint John).

 In 1986 he was presented a Priory Meritorious Certificate from the Lieutenant Governor for “his swift action in saving a child’s life”. He received the Royal Lifesaver Award for his vital role in resuscitating and saving the life of 7-year-old, Timothy Small. To this day, George and “Timmy” share an unbreakable bond, with Tim remarking to George “Without you, I couldn’t be me.”

 In 2015, he retired from the Kennebecasis Fire Department after a stellar 42-year career.   In later years, George enjoyed driving tractor trailers and working for Phoenix Safety.

George loved tinkering with trucks and old cars. A member of the KV Wood Carvers, he was a skilled carver and whittled many intricate prized pieces over the years. He was a great cook and was known for his “Big Man” Lasagna, Fire House Chili and mustard pickles. He loved music and loved to dance. In retirement he enjoyed golfing, wood working, RVing and beach vacations with his toes in the sand, a rum in hand and listening to Cher.

George was incredibly proud of his children and their many accomplishments. He will be Deeply missed by his wife of 38 years Suzanne (Nagle), his daughters Cynthia Reid (Patrick) - Kingston Ontario, Shannon Taylor (Dan), Faith Cole - Toronto Ontario, Tracy Forsythe (Chris), Jillian Cougle (Jim), and his sons Jo (Ellen), Wayne and Timmy - Alberta.

“Papa Geo”/ “Pup” was deeply adored by his special babies and will be sadly missed by Amelia Reid, James Arthur George Reid and Theo George Taylor.  He is survived by many grandchildren and nieces and nephews. 

Survived by siblings, Joan Guitar, Marsha Bastarache, Donald Cole and Victoria Craft and his aunt Joan Cole (Bob-d.).

Also survived by an amazing group of in laws, his brothers and sisters by choice, who have been there for us every step of the way.  We are forever grateful for all your support and care, visits, love and compassion.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers Michael (Pam) and Randy (Susan), who forever changed his life when they passed away together on February 14, 2016. They are now all together again with Geo’s sadness gone.

The family would like to express sincere heart felt appreciation and thanks for the many kindnesses, support, thoughtfulness and generosity of his Fire Fighter family.

Special thanks also to our many amazing friends for the support, prayers, love, visits and treats, all which kept Geo so positive during this extremely challenging time in his life.

Also Special Thanks to George’s brilliant and most compassionate Oncologist Dr. James Michael and to the Oncology Team of the Saint John Regional, you are all incredible people.  Special Thanks to Dr. Josh Tracey and Dr. David Bewick for your wonderful care and compassion over the years. Thank you also to Dr. Chris O’Brien, Dr. Mackin and the most compassionate loving care team of Bobby’s Hospice.

Resting at Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis (506-849-2119) where visitation take place on Wednesday June 18, from 2pm to 4pm and 6 pm to 8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday June 19, 2025,  at 11 am Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church,  Rothesay. 

Donations to Bobby’s Hospice, the Laurie Flood Compassionate Care Fund, and the Sophia Recovery Center would be appreciated by the family.