Bernie Cole

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Pingu
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Bernie Cole

Post by Pingu » Fri Jun 16, 2017 11:59 am

BERNARD (Bernie) COLE

Bernie sadly passed away on Thursday 25 May 2017.

Bernie was a former member of Bristol Canoe Club but in the last decade or so paddled under Itchen Valley Canoe Club. Bernie did some Wild Water Racing and the Devizes to Westminster Canoe race but his main discipline was Slalom. He first raced in the early 1970’s and was ranked in Division Two for most of his slalom career. However he was very proud at age 54 to get promoted to Division One and spent three seasons there from 2004. He had his favourite rivers and particularly loved visiting Llandysul.

Bernie last raced at Ironbridge in 2015 just before being diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in October that year. He remained stoical throughout his illness. Before his recent hospitalisation, he continued to travel to slalom races to see his canoeist friends. Many will remember him visiting Symonds Yat in October 2016 and Dulverton in March this year. Many more will remember that he was probably the only paddler in the top divisions still using his trusty Mitchell, wooden blades.

Outside of canoeing Bernie was an active cyclist, youth hosteller and walker and took great interest in his woodland with the two caves from which bones and artefacts are in local museums.

Bernie’s wide range of cycling, walking, local and canoe friends have supported him during his last journey, those closest to his location providing tremendous mental and practical support.

Bernie was creating a memoir of his life before he died so if you have any stories to add to this please get in touch.

Rest in Peace, Bernie. Your Itchen Valley Team mates Danny Dalrymple, Dickie Davies, Susan Templeton and honorary members, Andy Koszary & Avis Noott.

The funeral arrangements are:

12.45. Thursday 22 June, Weston Crematorium, BS22 9PD

Family flowers. Donations to Weston Hospice and RNLI

Refreshments post funeral at The Coach House, Locking, BS24 8DG.
Out of Darkness cometh Light

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