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Ray Paquette posted a condolence
Saturday, January 19, 2019
I sailed with Bernie in HMCS ATHABASKAN from 1974 to 1976 and later worked with him in the PMO TRUMP office in Ottawa. A happy go lucky shipmate whose personality lifted everybody's spirits...
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Diane McQuaid posted a condolence
Saturday, January 19, 2019
Joanne, Cathy & Dan
Sorry to hear about your loss
My thoughts and sympathy are with you
We spent lots of time at arenas with him
when Paula, Stefanie & Julie were playing
and Leo was reffing Ringette
Dianne McQuaid & family
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Duncan MacQuarrie posted a condolence
Friday, January 18, 2019
The Ringette community has lost a great builder, coach, and father.
As a referee you get a different perspective on all the people involved in the sport. Bernie was always a gentleman on the bench, a pleasure to talk to, and an excellent role model for everyone involved.
So sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family.
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Rebecca Reid posted a condolence
Friday, January 18, 2019
I’m so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of playing ringette for Bernie in the 1990s. We had many an enjoyable season and many triumphs. I’m certain he will be missed.
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Luanne Griffin posted a condolence
Thursday, January 17, 2019
I wish to express my condolences to Bernie's family. When I was president of Markham Women's Ringette, we started Get-Away Camp for women ringette players and Bernie was one of our instructors. He taught us the wrist shot and we ladies never forgot it. Bernie was one of the most-loved instructors at our camp. Rest in Peace, dear Bernie.
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ANDRE LALONDE posted a condolence
Thursday, January 17, 2019
One of the first people I ever met in Ringette back when my daughter started playing in 1986 was Bernie Cockburn. Never an unkind word, even with some suspect personal officiating in those early years, Bernie was just a class person. I enjoyed every moment of contact with him over the years and goes without saying he will be truly missed. My sincere condolences to the entire Cockburn Family.
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Wes Clark posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
To the Cockburn Family,
My condolences go out to the Cockburn Family, particularly Joanne, Cathy and Daniel on the passing of your dad.
Bernie was always someone that his Ringette colleagues looked up to and players admired because of his unique style of coaching. He was a valuable contributor in the early days of the National Coaching Program and the various committees. Many coaches today benefit from the valuable knowledge that he help to document in the first coaching manuals and he was truly one of the pioneers of the sport. I was always appreciative of his contributions, as was the whole Ringette community.
He will be sadly missed as a mentor and a good friend.
My thoughts are with all of you as you celebrate his life and I regret not being able to attend the visitation, as I am out of the country at this time.
Respectfully, Wes Clark
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Flora Bishop posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Have known Bernie for many years, and my heart and prayers goes out to Joanne, Cathy and Daniel at this sad time in your life.
Flora Bishop
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Maureen Mackie posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
To the Entire Cockburn Family,
Sincere condolences to you all at this most difficult time of Bernie's passing.
Hold tight to the memories for comfort, lean on your friends for strength and always remember how much you are cared about.
The Ringette community has lost a long contributing member. Bernie's memory will live on.
My deepest sympathy.
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Bob & Norma Mackay posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
So sorry to hear of your father's passing Joanne! Many nice memories remain with his Lotus St friends. He always had that great sincere smile, even on days he felt a bit down. He's now with your Mom, maybe dancing on the clouds! Condolences to all your family!! Norma/Bob
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Irene, Kathy & Barb Cox posted a condolence
Monday, January 14, 2019
We were sadden to hear of the passing of one of our first ringette coaches and former neighbour. Mr. Cockburn was such a patient coach and enjoyed every aspect of coaching. We learned so much from him, including skating techniques! Mr. Cockburn could teach skating from the bench during practice as he did not skate - at least not when he coached us in the mid 70's!
Bernie and Tiny always had a big hello and wave when we would meet in our neighbourhood on Elmsmere Rd & Sumac St. Years have passed, but the memories last forever.
Our condolences to the family. May the memories be plentiful during this sorrowful time.
Irene, Kathy & Barb Cox
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jane.walsh posted a condolence
Monday, January 14, 2019
Cathy / Joanne & Family
So Sorry to hear of your loss - sending thought and prayers your way .. Your father's memories live within your hearts ... (Hugs)
Sincerely Jane Walsh and Family
Shannon Ringette
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Carrie posted a condolence
Monday, January 14, 2019
There aren't many people that I can talk to equally well about Ringette and military life, Bernie was part of that small group. I was always so pleased to see him and I mentioned on the weekend to someone that one of the last things I did before leaving Oakvlle some years back was walk up the street to get a photo of the old Cockburn PMQ. He will be greatly missed and memories of him will be cherished. Love to the whole family.
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Sue Alexander posted a condolence
Monday, January 14, 2019
Our deepest sympathies to the Cockburn family and ringette community. My family met Bernie through Cyrville ringette and then onto the Devils. We have lots of fond memories of Bernie, he touched our lives in many ways. He will be greatly missed.
The Alexander family
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Nancy Nicolson-Houghtling posted a condolence
Sunday, January 13, 2019
I first met Bernie in person when he was the instructor of one of the first CI courses which I attended, but even then he made all who he touched feel like they had known him for a hundred years. Even though we rarely met, every year he sent me a birthday message and I sent him one back. I will miss my birthday buddy.
My deepest condolences to the Cockburn family.
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Kristy Foster (Mueller) posted a condolence
Sunday, January 13, 2019
I am so saddened to hear of Bernie's passing. I was lucky enough to have been coached by Bernie twice during my ringette career, and received many, many hugs over the years when I would see him at the rink. He was selfless, and ready to help anyone who asked. He will be missed by so many.
My condolences to Dan, and the rest of the family. It was an honour to know your father, and I will never forget him.
Much love...
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Geraldine and Steve Dixon posted a condolence
Sunday, January 13, 2019
We had the pleasure of living beside Bernie and Tiny for many years.
We are deeply saddened that they are both gone but rejoice knowing that they are together again.
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Valeda Potvin-Babineau posted a condolence
Sunday, January 13, 2019
Valeda Potvin-Babineau & Joseph Corkery,
So sorry,
Cathy and Family my deepest sympathy to all. He was and still is an amazing man. I have very fond memories of your Dad as a baseball coach at Plouffe park. He was the one that made me enjoy the sport so much. Always made you feel good and never put you down, but always had inspiring words. Bernie you will be missed. People you have touched have many good memories of you. Especially in my life,
Thank you Bernie, for these special memories in my life.
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Tania Lecompte posted a condolence
Saturday, January 12, 2019
My condolences to the Cockburn family. Bernie was such a special man. He will be truly missed.
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Beth Veale posted a condolence
Saturday, January 12, 2019
I had the absolute pleasure of working with Bernie in developing coaches for ringette. He was the most kind and caring person, who made everyone feel welcome and appreciated. He had an incredible passion for the sport and for the people involved. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him and have his friendship. My deepest condolences to Bernie's family.
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Laura (Pitt) Watson posted a condolence
Saturday, January 12, 2019
My deepest thoughts to Bernie's family and friends. Bernie taught me my first ringette coaching course, a legacy for my own career to this day. He coached two of the Pitt sister's as Gloucester Devils, and continued to be an incredible impact on the development of so many coaches. I'll always remember the man standing in the middle of the ice at Blackburn Hamlet (where we shared the ice), pointing with his stick and leading the development of so many amazing athletes who were fortunate enough to be coached by him. His legacy will live on. Thank you for sharing him with us, on behalf of all those who learned so much from him.
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Steve Asherman posted a condolence
Saturday, January 12, 2019
My deepest condolences to the entire Cockburn family. I first met Bernie over 30 years ago at a ringette game. His love of the game was contagious. His willingness and ability to share his knowledge and skills helped many other associations to grow and become better. I will miss his resonant voice in the arenas and around the meeting table. A pleasure to have known you, Bernie. Rest easy.
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Linda & Bob Bickerton posted a condolence
Saturday, January 12, 2019
It was with great sadness that we learn today of Bernie's Passing.
Our Family extends the entire Cockburn Family our condolences and deepest sympathy.
Linda and I, first had the please of meeting Bernie about 30 years ago when our Daughter Lesley was playing ringette for the Pickering Ringette Association. Since that first meeting - we would come to know Bernie as the Face of Ringette for people of our era.
The world has lost a Great Man.
Rest in Peace Bernie.
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Tanya and Pat Martin posted a condolence
Saturday, January 12, 2019
Our condolences to all the family. It is fitting that Bernie`s birthday was on Dec 25 as he had the same magical effect on people that the holiday season does. Ringette brought Bernie into our lives and we will forever be grateful for the support and guidance he provided to our daughter. RIP Bernie.
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Geoff and Jo-Anne Valentine posted a condolence
Saturday, January 12, 2019
With sincere condolences to Bernie's family and friends, he will be greatly missed by all. It was always a pleasure chatting with him at the rink.
Geoff and Jo-Anne Valentine, and family
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Michelle Wright posted a condolence
Saturday, January 12, 2019
May you rest in peace Bernie. I will always cherish the love and support that I received from you and Tiny. I have the greatest memories of seeing both of you in the audience sitting in the front row and cheering me on. Thank you. See you on the other side my friend. Sending my love and condolences to the family.
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Joanne Dearden posted a condolence
Saturday, January 12, 2019
To Cathy, Joanne & Dan and families. My sincere condolences on your loss. Bernie was a wonderful man who shared his talents, his joy of life and his positive attitude with all who had the privilege to know him. May your many wonderful memories of him comfort you at this most difficult time. R.I.P. Bernie.
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Lynn Dutremble (né Vanier) posted a condolence
Saturday, January 12, 2019
My deepest condolences for your loss.
Bernie and I met when he coached in the women's softball league (Yemchuk's team) back in the 80's and 90's. He was devoted, positive, had a great smile and led his team to many victories. I miss those days, when life seemed simpler!
I was privileged to have this special man cross my path.
Rest in peace Bernie. Thanks for the memories.
Lynn
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Lindsay Bennett posted a condolence
Friday, January 11, 2019
I'm saddened to hear about Bernie's passing and send all my love and condolences to his family and loved ones. Bernie was my coach and his influence had a profound effect on my love of coaching ringette today. He will be so very missed.
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Colleen Herman posted a condolence
Friday, January 11, 2019
The fact that I first met Bernie 35 years ago and that we still communicated periodically is a testament to the type of individual he was and the positive impact he had on me. He, along with Tiny, were two of the most kindest and welcoming souls I've ever met. I know he was an excellent role model to many; he enabled me to see how loving and supportive family relationships could be -- even when he would often sternly advise me, a young 19 year old, that it was time to leave his house and go home when 2:00 in the morning rolled around! A sad loss of a great patriarch, indeed. My deepest condolences to the entire Cockburn clan. I will continue to smile every time I think of Bernie -- his light will shine brightly in the hearts and minds of so many. R.I.P. Mr. C. xo
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Kim Leemhuis (Poulter) posted a condolence
Friday, January 11, 2019
Having seen Bernie only a few short weeks ago (where else but at the rink?) I remain in awe of his endless devotion to others in his community through ringette. While I still play ringette myself, my focus is now on the next generation as I coach my daughter and son's teams. It's hard to fathom the hundreds (thousands?) of lives Bernie touched with his dedication to the sport over the decades. We can only hope to carry the torch in his absence. He will be greatly missed.
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Colleen Hunt posted a condolence
Friday, January 11, 2019
I am saddened to hear of the passing of such a wonderful man. A second father to all of the ringette community here in Gloucester and beyond. My condolences, thoughts and prayers to his family and those who knew him. Rest in peace Bernie
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Marie Shinmoto posted a condolence
Friday, January 11, 2019
Our thoughts are with you and your family Dan. I will always remember Bernie’s kindness and ready smile. The ringette world will greatly miss him.
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Paquette Family posted a condolence
Friday, January 11, 2019
Bernie, an incredible coach and even better human! Sincere condolences from Sarah and the Paquette Family! Xo
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Lynne Philion posted a condolence
Friday, January 11, 2019
Rest In Peace Bernie....You were a father figure to a lot of us growing up - We appreciate your undivided attention when we most needed it. There was always 2 sides to every story.... your always seemed to have a lot of sense once put into perspective. You will be sorely missed.
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Peter Aitkenhead posted a condolence
Friday, January 11, 2019
Dear Joanne, Cathy and Danny and families we send our love and prayers to each one of you. We support you in your loss of such a gracious and wonderful father, grandfather and great grandfather.
Bernie and I have been lifelong friends and comrades in arms. He was my first Sergeant and a true mentor in the early stages of my career in the CF. We both started our careers in the boy soldier program also known as the Green Monsters This is where the Gloucester Green Devils Badge had its roots.
My wife Lynda lived with Bernie and Tiny in Oakville Ont prior to our marriage in 1969. Somewhat of a safe house in that era.
My most precious memories were the years I served as Bernies assistant/Trainer with the Gloucester Bells 1975 to 1979 We won the Ont provincial and Quebec Championship mainly due to Bernies super skills as a coach, teacher, mentor and his love of the game and the girls.
For those who remember K2P2 (Knit Two, Pearl Two for the Green and Gold)
My heart is torn yet at peace as Bernie is now at peace. We are all rewarded by his legacy of love and loyalty to the sport of Ringette. He has left his mark of love on all the beautiful people he has touched. These folks are the ones who will carry his legacy forward.
God Bless dear friend and soldier on.
Peter and Lynda Aitkenhead
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Elizabeth Newgard posted a condolence
Friday, January 11, 2019
Bernie was an extremely dedicated and supportive ringette coach. At the first ever Ontario provincial championships in Whitby, in 1986, our team finished second, far exceeding my expectations at the beginning of the season. Bernie introduced me to competitive sports, hard work, being part of a team and the value of a “far side” shot. He was a very special man to many young athletes. May be rest in peace.
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Tracy Snowdon posted a condolence
Friday, January 11, 2019
My sincere condolences to all of Coach Bernie’s family, I had the privilege of being a player of Coach Bernie back in the early 80’s.
Thank you for everything you taught me Coach!
R.I.P
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Jo-Ann Wilson posted a condolence
Friday, January 11, 2019
I am so sorry to hear of this great loss to the family and the Ringette community. Bernie was a friend to everyone he met. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn his passing.
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Barbara Bernardski posted a condolence
Friday, January 11, 2019
My deepest condolences to the family. I met Bernie with his sweetie, my cousin Antoinette, he was very kind and thoughtful. My thoughts and prayers are with the family in this time of sorrow.
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John & Cheryl Lauder posted a condolence
Friday, January 11, 2019
We are truly saddened to hear of the passing of a great man who has had such a positive influence on so many people.
Bernie will be missed not only by his family, but by the Ringette community worldwide.
Rest in peace my friend.
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Chris George posted a condolence
Friday, January 11, 2019
My condolences to all of Bernies family and to all of the ringette community. The Cockburn's have lost a wonderful man, a warm and endlessly giving human being. Ringette has lost one of it's true champions. How I remember Bernie standing at mid-ice in his boots at the outdoor rink in Blackburn hamlet, running a practice at a million below zero. And loving every second of it. The game enjoyed today by 10's of thousands of athletes throughout the country owes so much to his gentle and loving spirit. His legacy will live on every time another young player discovers a love for this wonderful thing we call ringette. Be at peace Bernie and thank you for touching my life.
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Peter Brennan posted a condolence
Friday, January 11, 2019
I worked with Bernie at NDHQ/DPIS. He was always cheerful and pleasant. I remember his being involved with ringette in Gloucester. Rest well Bernie.
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Holly Walsh - MacInnis posted a condolence
Friday, January 11, 2019
I had the opportunity to play for Bernie when I was younger and then coached with him during university. He was a great coach and an excellent mentor. When I think of ringette- I think of him! Keeping your family in our prayers. God Bless
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Steve & Ruth Barry posted a condolence
Friday, January 11, 2019
Our condolences to Bernie’s family at this most difficult time. My family has many fond memories of Tiny & Bernie in the past. May he Rest In Peace.
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Valerie Buchanan (Fry) posted a condolence
Friday, January 11, 2019
As one of Bernie’s original devils, I never enter an arena without looking for Bernie. Just in case I might be able to get to see the twinkle in his eye, a warm smile and of course that great big hug. We have known each other 47 years. He has watched me grow since I was 12 years old, he watched my kids and many other ringette kids grow up as well. Everyone knew who Bernie Cockburn was. He helped create ringette grow from the days at the outdoor rinks in 1972 to now being played around the world. I will still always look for you at the rink, I might not be able to see you but I will always be able to feel you. Say hi to everyone on the other side, especially Ethel, she will be happy to have you back. With love, my first and favourite ringette coach, love Valerie Fry Buchanan
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Samantha Ramsay posted a condolence
Friday, January 11, 2019
My sympathies to the family. I have many fond memories of Bernie going all the way back to when I was a little girl.
I hope your memories bring you comfort in this difficult time.
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Linda posted a condolence
Friday, January 11, 2019
I am so sorry to hear about Bernie's passing. In 1985, as a young private, he took me under his wing. He made such an impression on me and he was the kindness man I ever met and the pleasure to work with. I am happy that we kept in touch over the year and through Facebook! He will missed very much! My heart is broken :(
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Cheryl and John Lauder posted a condolence
Friday, January 11, 2019
Cathy, Dan and Joanne. Condolences on the loss of your Dad. Bernie touched the hearts of many and will be greatly missed.
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Chris Gribbon posted a condolence
Friday, January 11, 2019
Dear Joanne, Cathy, Danny, and family:
I am so sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences to all. I have fond memories of Bernie - at the rink, at tournaments, at various gatherings - he was a good man and a good friend. He made going to ringette games and practices fun! My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Lots of love,
Chris xxoo
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Donna Laramee posted a condolence
Friday, January 11, 2019
Dear Cathy, Danny and Joanne.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you on the loss of your father. He always spoke with immense pride of all of you, a fathers love. His impact on the sport of Ringette and so many of its players is indescribable and his passing will draw many tears. God Bless
Donna Laramee and family.
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Valerie Finch (Cheam) posted a condolence
Friday, January 11, 2019
RIP Bernie. My condolences to you Dan and the entire family.
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Friday, January 11, 2019
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