Cole-“The game goes on, but it will never sound the same.” William “Billy” Cole passed away peacefully, with his loving wife and dear friends at his side. He passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospice on Friday, October 31, 2025. Beloved husband of 20 years to Katie, and proud Dog Dad to Reno and Archie. Cherished son of the late Graydon and Elsie Cole, and dear son-in-law of Geri Pendell and the late Carl Pendell. Loving brother-in-law of Colin (Kelly) Pendell and the late Kerry Simmons, and special uncle of Cameron, Macy, Emma, and Marleigh. Billy was an accomplished sportscaster whose smooth voice and quick wit graced the airwaves from Simcoe and St. Thomas to Toronto’s 680 News, and later in Tampa and Wallaceburg. A lifelong fan of the Maple Leafs, Blue Jays, and Detroit Lions, he was known for cheering—and cursing—his teams with equal passion. He faced every challenge in recent years with courage, humour, and grace, supported by Katie and the compassionate caregivers who became dear friends. Loved by a wide circle of family, friends, and colleagues, Billy will be remembered for his kindness, humour, and unmistakable voice. Friends are invited to celebrate Billy’s life on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 1:00–4:00 p.m. at the St. Clair Parkway Golf Course, 132 Moore Line, Mooretown, Ontario. Bring your memories and share a laugh or two—tears are to be kept to a minimum, please. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Joseph’s Hospice, Sarnia, in Billy’s memory. Arrangements entrusted to Knight Funeral Home, 588 St. Clair Parkway, Corunna. Messages and condolences may be left online at www.knightfuneralhome.ca Knight 519-862-2845
15 thoughts on “Bill Cole”
Bill was simply a stellar colleague and a wonderful person who lives on in some of my favourite career memories. My love and sympathy to Katie and family.
Wonderful written eulogy. Katie my thoughts are with you. So sorry for your loss.
Rest in Sweet Peace Billy!! My sincere condolences to Katie, his family and friends.
There was nobody funnier, kinder and respected more than Bill Cole. He was simply the best in every way imaginable. Rest well my friend. 🙏🏾🤎💐❤️
God bless ya Billy. Thank you for your friendship in those early years and being an inspiration. Condolences to Katie, family and friends.
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I tried to fill Bill’s shoes when he left 680 News. He was full of advice of what to ask for from the employer. Prior to that we found ourselves on the air one Saturday morning. Bill Shick had been named head coach of the national volleyball team, and we assumed he went by Dick. We couldn’t keep a straight face, with me having the harder time with Bill’s quit wit. Many laughs on the golf course too. Condolences to Katie and family.
Billy was the salt of the earth. Remember spending time with him in Chicago during the Leafs-Blackhawks playoff series in 1995. Gone too soon. May his soul be coddled in heaven.
So sorry for your loss Katie. Bill was such a mild mannered man. And sure loved his Reno. He will be missed by so many.
Miss you Billy….enjoyed our times in Dunedin. Fla. You passed to the Grand Lodge above!
Bill was a tremendous sportscaster and an ultimate professional with such a quick, dry wit. Oh, his devastating, slow-burn double entendres! I am terribly sorry for your loss.
Billy was a class act who shared time with me in both the Leafs and Blue Jays press boxes. A great voice and a great guy. Rest well my friend.
Many memories of umpiring with Bill and later when Bill was broad casting for St Thomas radio. It was always a pleasure to hear his wit. Rest peacefully my fried
I’m sorry to hear that Bill has passed. I really enjoyed working with him. He truly had an amazing voice, quick witted and so down to earth. An all round pro! It was my privilege to work with him. My condolences. Rest in peace, Bill.
What a joy it was to have Billy as a member of our family for 20+ years, as Katie’s husband. His warm open heart, sharp wit (though never mean-spirited), sports acumen, velvety voice, and generosity made him welcome in every way. I feel we’ve been robbed of his presence by distance, circumstances, and finally, terminal illness for too long, and I hope he knew how loved he was. May he find eternal solace as he rests, and those of us left behind find strength in our happy memories. Peace 🕊️
I had the enormously no good fortune of working with Bill at WFLA Radio in Tampa. He had an unrivaled sense of humor that kept us all in stitches. But Bill was also the consummate broadcaster, wordsmith and sports guru. He sure helped me embrace the whole “new” sport of hockey in Tampa Bay. Beyond his talent and contributions to our newsroom, he was a true friend with his kind and calm countenance. I am so deeply saddened. My heart goes out to you, Katie and your family❤️