NEW GLASGOW – Dr. Basilon Cleveland Cole, FRCS(C), 71, New Glasgow, passed away unexpectedly, Friday, November 10, 2017, in the Halifax Infirmary, QEII, Halifax, surrounded by his loving wife and family.
Born in Kingstown, St. Vincent and Grenadines on September 16, 1946, he was a son of Miriam (Thompson) and the late Carlton Cole. Basilon obtained a teaching degree at Dalhousie University and then returned to St. Vincent to teach at the Boys Grammar School, the secondary school that he attended as a child. In his youth, Dr. Cole was an avid football fan and a phenomenal player. He represented his school and the island of St. Vincent in football tournaments. He later obtained a scholarship to attend Dalhousie University where he led the football team as the first black captain. He decided to follow his dream of being a Physician and returned to Dalhousie University in 1972, where he received his Medical degree in 1979. He chose to come to the community of New Glasgow where he dedicated his life and skills to helping people at the Aberdeen Hospital for 37 years. Later in life, he became a Free Mason, joining the Euclid Lodge #92, where he held a number of distinguished offices. He also belonged to the Philae Temple Shriners and served as a representative to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital in Montreal. He will be missed by his Worshipful Lodge Brothers. Dr. Cole and his wife Sandra have contributed to the community in many ways, especially the Aberdeen Hospital Foundation.
Surviving are his wife of 32 years, Sandra Cole (Adams); sons, Sean (Jenene), Damon, Bryce; five grandchildren, Deshawn, Jayda, Dante, Sean Jr. and Davaughn; mother, Miriam Cole; brothers, Lennox, Terry, Carl Richards, sisters; Roxanne Cole-Laslee, Vanessa, Maxine and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his father Carlton, he was predeceased by his brother, Douglas.
We have lost a wonderful husband, father, brother and gifted physician. Basilon will be deeply missed by all those whose lives he affected throughout his life.
The family will receive visitors 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 14, 2017, in the Pictou County Wellness Centre, Westville Road from where funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. with Pastor Michael Gardner officiating. Private interment.
Donations may be made in his memory to the Aberdeen Hospital Foundation, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia or Diabetes Canada.
Arrangements are entrusted to P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, New Glasgow. www.pkmacdonald.ca