colleen jones

Remembering Colleen Jones: A Canadian Icon of Ice and Airwaves

The Canadian sports and media landscape lost a true titan with the passing of Colleen Jones. A two-time world curling champion and a beloved CBC broadcaster, her legacy is etched in the history of both sports and public broadcasting in Canada.

The news of her death at the age of 65 sent ripples of sorrow across the nation, particularly in her home province of Nova Scotia and within the tight-knit curling community. Jones was more than just an athlete or a journalist; she was a household name, a trailblazer for women in sports broadcasting, and an embodiment of resilience and passion. Her battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, was fought with the same fortitude she displayed throughout her remarkable career.

The News of a Nation's Loss

On November 15, 2021, multiple major Canadian news outlets confirmed the sad passing of Colleen Jones. The reports were uniform in their tone of reverence and loss, highlighting the dual pillars of her extraordinary life: her dominance on the curling sheet and her groundbreaking work in front of the camera.

CBC News, her professional home for decades, led the tributes. In their report, "Colleen Jones, champion curler and CBC reporter, dies at 65," they detailed her incredible journey. Similarly, CTV News remembered her as a "Legendary curler, broadcaster," while Sportsnet.ca noted her status as a "Canadian Hall of Fame curler." The consistency across these reputable sources underscores the profound impact she had on Canadian culture.

The official cause of death was complications from ALS, a diagnosis she had shared publicly earlier that year. Her passing marked the end of a courageous fight, but the beginning of an enduring legacy.

A Champion on the Curling Sheet

Before she became a familiar face in Canadian living rooms, Colleen Jones was a force to be reckoned with on the curling ice. Hailing from Halifax, Nova Scotia, she established herself as one of the sport's most formidable skips.

Her most celebrated achievements came in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Jones led her team to back-to-back Scotties Tournament of Hearts titles in 2001 and 2002. These victories secured her a place on the world stage, and she delivered in spectacular fashion. In both 2001 and 2002, she captured the World Women's Curling Championship title, cementing her status as a Canadian sporting hero.

Her style of play was known for its strategic brilliance and her commanding presence as a skip. She was a fierce competitor who played the game with integrity and passion, earning the respect of rivals from around the globe. In recognition of her immense contributions to the sport, she was inducted into the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame in 2007, a testament to her lasting impact on the game.

A Groundbreaking Voice in Broadcasting

While her athletic career was legendary, many Canadians came to know Colleen Jones through her work as a broadcaster. She made a seamless and highly successful transition from the world of sports to the world of journalism, becoming a staple on CBC's The National.

Jones was a pioneer. She broke down barriers for women in sports broadcasting, proving that expertise, intelligence, and on-screen presence were what truly mattered. Her calm, confident delivery and deep connection with the Canadian public made her one of the country's most trusted news anchors. She brought the same discipline and focus from her curling career to the newsroom, earning accolades for her professionalism and her ability to connect with complex stories.

Her career at CBC spanned nearly three decades, during which she covered some of the most significant events in Canadian history. She was more than just a reader of news; she was a storyteller who brought warmth and humanity to every story she covered. This unique blend of elite athlete and respected journalist made her a one-of-a-kind figure in Canadian life.

The Courageous Battle with ALS

In the spring of 2021, Colleen Jones announced her diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In a deeply personal and moving essay for CBC, she shared her reality with the public. She wrote of the "cruel" nature of the disease, which attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to the loss of muscle control.

Despite the devastating news, her message was one of strength, love, and gratitude. She chose to face her illness with the same grace and courage she was known for throughout her life. "I am a fortunate woman," she wrote. "I have lived a life filled with joy and love and great adventure... I have no fear of death."

Her public battle brought increased attention to ALS and the organizations dedicated to fighting it, like ALS Canada. By sharing her journey, she provided a powerful voice for others battling the disease and highlighted the urgent need for research and support.

The Outpouring of a Nation's Grief

The reaction to Colleen Jones's death was immediate and immense. It was a national moment of collective mourning. Social media feeds were filled with tributes from colleagues, politicians, fellow athletes, and ordinary Canadians who felt they had lost a friend.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called her "a true icon" who "brought stories to life with warmth and wisdom." Fellow curlers and broadcasters shared personal anecdotes, painting a picture of a kind, funny, and deeply dedicated person. Her CBC colleagues spoke of her mentorship, her professionalism, and the void her absence would leave in their newsroom.

This outpouring of respect was not just for her professional accomplishments but for the person she was. She was seen as authentic, relatable, and deeply Canadian. From the hockey arenas of Nova Scotia to the national broadcast studio in Toronto, her journey resonated with millions, and the tributes reflected the deep affection the country held for her.

A Lasting Legacy of Strength and Storytelling

Colleen Jones leaves behind a legacy that is uniquely Canadian. She represents the best of two worlds: the grit and determination of elite athletics and the thoughtful, articulate power of public service broadcasting.

Her life story is one of breaking molds. She proved that an athlete could have a successful second act in a completely different field. She demonstrated that women could lead in the male-dominated worlds of both sports commentary and hard news. And in her final chapter, she showed the entire country how to face adversity with courage and dignity.

The impact of her passing will be felt for years to come. She set a standard for journalists and athletes alike. For aspiring young female broadcasters, she was an inspiration. For curling fans, she was a legend. And for all Canadians, she was a trusted voice and a national treasure.

While the world of sports and media is poorer for her loss, the memory of Colleen Jones will continue to inspire. Her story is a powerful reminder of a life lived to the fullest, a life of passion, purpose, and an unwavering Canadian spirit.