Today marks a somber occasion in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, as friends, family, and admirers gather to bid farewell to the legendary voice of Canadian hockey, Bob Cole. The funeral service for Cole, a titan of sports broadcasting, is scheduled to commence at 2 p.m. local time within the venerable walls of St. Thomas' Anglican Church, nestled in the heart of his beloved hometown.

Spanning over fifty illustrious years, Cole's career was etched with the indelible mark of his passion, wit, and his iconic "Oh baby!" exclamations that reverberated through the airwaves, breathing life into some of hockey's most memorable moments on "Hockey Night in Canada." His steadfast refusal to depart from his roots in Newfoundland and Labrador echoed his profound connection to the province, a sentiment his daughter Megan Cole emphasized as "everything" to him.

Surrounded by loved ones in the city he called home, Bob Cole peacefully passed away last week at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy that transcends the rinks and resonates deeply within the hearts of Canadians from coast to coast.

As we gather to pay our respects to this broadcasting luminary, let us remember the joy he brought to millions, the memories he etched into the annals of sports history, and the enduring spirit of a man whose voice will forever echo in the hearts of hockey fans across the nation.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on May 3, 2024, serving as a poignant reminder of the profound impact Bob Cole had on the fabric of Canadian sports and culture.

As we bid farewell to Bob Cole, let us carry forward his legacy with the same passion, dedication, and love for the game that he exemplified throughout his remarkable career. Though he may have left us in body, his spirit will continue to resonate with every "Oh baby!" exclaimed in arenas and living rooms across the country. In honoring his memory, let us strive to keep his indomitable spirit alive, ensuring that the echoes of his voice and the warmth of his presence endure for generations to come. Bob Cole may have departed from this world, but his impact on Canadian sports and broadcasting will forever remain etched in our collective consciousness, a timeless testament to his enduring legacy.