After a courageous battle with cancer, we are profoundly grieved to announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, son, and brother, Mark Oliver Cole on September 5th, 2022 at his residence. He was surrounded with love and was at peace.
Mark was born July 12, 1972 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Peter and Marion Cole, and uncle and aunt, Larry and Marlene Adel. Mark will be deeply missed by his wife, Teena Cole; children, Kevin Penner (Randi Taylor), Kaitlyn (Tim) Dueck, and Jocelyn (Kris) Braun; grandchildren, Everett Braun, Gimli Penner, Sophia Braun, and Oaken Penner; mother and step-father, Patricia Oliver and Ken Landry, father and step-mother, Patrick and Danuta Cole; sisters, Carrie Cole (Gerry Tole), Erin Oliver-Landry (Luke Francis), Meaghan Oliver-Landry (Kent Koach Thiessen); and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Mark married the love of his life, Teena Cole, on September 28th, 2002, and was the world’s best step-dad to Kevin, Kaitlyn and Jocelyn. Mark was a man with quiet strength, a generous heart, and genuine care for others. He had a dry wit that would crack you up, if you stood close enough to hear it. He was a man who was always authentically himself, had the right tool for whatever project someone was working on, and knew something about everything.
Upon graduation from the Motorsport Technology/Small Engine Repair Program in 2011 at Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (then Winnipeg Technical College), he immediately began working in the very same program, as an Instructional Assistant. He worked for ten years in this program, with his last year assisting in the Automotive Program. He was so dedicated to his job, that he worked right up until his body gave him no other choice. He was so grateful for the support and understanding that he received from employers and coworkers.
We didn’t need words to know we were loved by Mark. He showed up when he knew we needed him. He was humble, sensitive and loyal beyond comprehension. His heart was our gift, devoting his life to putting others’ needs before his own. He was a quiet warrior right to the very end. A piece of our hearts will always be missing. We will always cherish our memories and the time we were given with him.
The family would like to thank Dr. Darren Reimer and the caring staff at Cancer Care, Steinbach, and Dr. Ralph Wong at Cancer Care, St. Boniface, for their kindness and compassion.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at Southland Church, with viewing 1 hour prior to the service.