Curling icon Colleen Jones, a long-standing CBC journalist, has passed away at the age of 65 after a battle with cancer. Jones, a dominant force in the sport, clinched world women’s championships in 2001 and 2004 besides being a six-time Canadian women’s champion. Renowned for her extensive participation in the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, she held the record for the most games played by any Canadian curler in the tournament.
Additionally, Jones led Canada to victory in the world senior women’s championship in 2017 and was honored with induction into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2016. Over her illustrious career spanning nearly 40 years at CBC News, she distinguished herself as a reporter and host, sharing compelling stories of ordinary Canadians with extraordinary experiences.
Having shattered barriers throughout her career, Jones made history as the first female sports anchor in Halifax upon joining CBC in 1986. Prior to her broadcasting achievements, she had already established herself as a curling prodigy, earning her first provincial women’s title at just 19 years old in 1979, along with a silver medal at the Canada Games.
Jones further made history as the youngest skip to secure a Canadian women’s title in 1982, leveraging her sports prowess to navigate the male-dominated industry. She went on to cover a remarkable 10 Olympic Games, reporting from various global locations. Recognizing her trailblazing contributions to sports and broadcasting, Jones was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2022.
Despite her retirement from CBC, Jones continued to share her passion for curling by coaching her son’s team at the prestigious Brier championship earlier this year. Her impact transcended sports, advocating for women’s empowerment in athletics and beyond. In her final years, she witnessed the burgeoning growth of women’s sports across different disciplines, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and gratitude in life.
Jones’ legacy lives on through her family, including her husband, Scott Saunders, sons Zach and Luke, and a beloved grandson. Her passing was announced by her family in a heartfelt social media post, revealing that she peacefully departed while surrounded by loved ones, overlooking the ocean from her cherished spot in Maders Cove.
In her autobiography “Throwing Rocks at Houses: My Life in and out of Curling,” published in 2015, Jones reflected on her battle with bacterial meningitis in 2010, highlighting the importance of cherishing life and finding joy in the present moment. Her enduring spirit and contributions to curling, journalism, and women’s sports will be remembered by many.
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