COLE: In loving memory of Samuel Edward Cole born on Nov. 29th, 1919 in Wheeling, West Virginia, passed away peacefully at his home on the farm in Edam June 29, 2013. He was the eldest of 12 born to Teenie and Sam Cole. Left to cherish his memory are, his four daughters, 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren: Jenny (Norman) Gunderson; Holly (Norm) LaBrash, Kaitlyn, Brianna, and Nathan; Blair Gunderson; Mark Gunderson; Anne (Ryan) Haughian; Sam (Dana) Cole; Lee (Janice) Haughian, Brody and Jordy; Sara Haughian, Seth and Anna; Donna (Ken) Weber; Brad (Megan) Weber, Brooke and Caden; Curtis (Lori) Weber, Kendall; Blaine (Jennilee) Weber, Presley and Lauren; Susan (Robert) Anderson, Brian Anderson, Michael (Rochell) Anderson, Shauna Anderson; Brothers: Pat Cole; Don (Isabelle) Cole; Bob (Elaine) Cole; Joe (Jean) Cole; Sisters: Marg Lynch; Jean Gelinas; Jenny Klatt; Nancy (Garth)Ferrie; Nieces and Nephews too many to count. A special and only niece on Della's side, Lynne Willetts of Nottingham, England. He was predeceased by his wife Della , his parents Teenie and Sam Cole: Brother Herb Cole and Sisters Mary Cormier and Mina Macdonell; Brother-in-laws Jimmy Lynch, Emile Gelinas, and Ed Klatt; Sister-in-law Betty Cole and several nieces and nephews. What can you say about a man that lived in this community for most of his 93 years? PLENTY and of course Sam always had plenty to say. Growing up on a farm in the early years presented many problems for lots of folks. Distance, weather and of course finances changed everything on a daily basis. During his first couple of years at school, distance in the winter months posed a problem for people with small children so he was billeted out to his Aunt Polly's for several months. After grade 8 the closest school was Edam. Because this was the 1930's and the depression had arrived, finances were not available for the greatest of necessities, never mind lodging in town. This meant the end of his school education. However, this was not the end of his thirst for knowledge or for the education he would later receive. It was time to help out on the farm and earn whatever money he could to help with the cost of surviving in a time of despair for so many. And so as a young man he learned to "make due" and use materials from resources that normally could be purchased. For instance, his fiddle...his greatest passion. Not only did he learn to play but being the artist that he was, he made his own at the age of 16. Taking materials from the handles of a Concorde grape box, a block of wood from the wood pile, the back of an old piano, pincherry tree and scraps of discarded lumber, he carved and molded his very own. Even though he had a couple others, that's the one he always played. Music was a big part of their entire family. Sisters Jean and Jenny would sing and harmonize together and even sang on the radio. Neighbours would gather often for a sing song as going to town was most times not an option. The Sam Cole Orchestra made up mostly of family members ( brother Joe, and sister-in-laws Betty and Jean to name a few) played for many dances, weddings, New Year's Eve Balls and if there was a party or gathering for an occasion, the fiddle was always near. He never stopped playing until the day he died, always learning new material from new tapes or CD's and the latest of technologies, his ipad. He was passionate about history and politics and liked nothing better than to debate a subject over a cold one with the opposing voters of the liberal party. As most of you know, he wasn't a man who minced his words. He was opinionated like most of us, just maybe a little more vocal. He loved the farm and the life it meant. After he married Della in June of 1954, he had a choice as a Papered Welder to move to Edmonton for work or to continue to farm. Although she would have followed him anywhere she knew that his heart belonged on the farm and not the city. So like most of the farmers, there were struggles, good times and bad but the way of life was the reward that he cherished. He raised 4 girls and although he wasn't blessed with any boys, it was known that he thought his girls could do as good as any boy whether it was driving the truck and machinery, wrestling the cattle, hauling bails or 5 gal. pails of water for the stock or any task required of them. When Sam at the age of 23 enlisted in the army, he said he learned his carpentry skills from the best. A man that was a perfectionist, not so much different than yourself Sam. If you're going to do a job, do it right, was a rule he lived by. He built the arena in Edam before the new addition, a number of homes in the area, cupboards, etc.. He carved a horse out of a block of wood, built a replica of the old homestead complete with a Sears catalogue in the outhouse. It didn't matter what he did, he paid attention to detail. I think that's what separates an artist from a Jack of all Trades. He was an artist in every sense of the word. Bridging Troubled Waters...the book of memoirs he wrote about his time overseas during WW2 was a proud moment for him when completed. Understanding, learning and facts as he knew them were important to share. When his 4 daughters went to Holland this spring, he was more than happy to direct them to some of the points of interest and a chapter in his life he deemed important for them to see. Following some of his route during the war gave them a new appreciation for the content that the book was meant to give, especially as they failed miserably on the subject in school. Sam loved gardening! He wasn't too particular but planting meant the rows had to be symmetrically straight, square with the fence and precisely planted according to the instructions. He used all his own produce to make his homemade soup, celery included. And there isn't a grandchild among them that would turn down a bowl of that mouth watering soup! He made his own bread, cakes and goodies to freeze in case company arrived, pies for the church fall suppers and the girls favourite, cheese sticks. Well Sam we hope we have most of these facts straight and we tried to be truthful. Anyway it doesn't matter, "that's our opinion and you're welcome to it"!! For a big man you were sure quiet and light on your feet. There were times we never seen or heard your approach and on Sat. afternoon, we didn't see or hear you leave. We know your exit was sudden and without pain or suffering and for that we are truly thankful but we'll have you know, you've left a big hole in our hearts, our lives and we will miss you beyond belief. Card of Thanks On behalf of the family we would like to thank McCaw's Funeral Service for all the arrangements, The Edam Legion for participating, Rev. Kun Kim for comforting words and the service, Organist Bev Meikle, the United Church ladies for the lunch provided, the grandsons for acting as pallbearers. Also to grandsons Sam, Lee and Curtis and friend Evelyn Cooper for reading the eulogy. Special thanks to his sisters Jean and Jenny for travelling a great distance to sing a duet of Sam's favourite songs. To all who sent cards, emails, flowers, donations, words of compassion, encouragement and sympathy, we thank you all. To family members, neighbours and friends we thank you all for always being there and supporting each other through this difficult time...we are so blessed. The Cole family
