Remembering Curling Legend and CBC Icon Colleen Jones at 65
The world of Canadian sports and broadcasting has lost a luminous figure. Colleen Jones, a name synonymous with curling excellence and trusted journalism, has passed away at the age of 65 after a courageous battle with cancer. Her death marks the end of an era, leaving a profound void on the ice, in the newsroom, and in the hearts of millions who admired her.
Jones was not just a champion; she was a trailblazer who redefined what was possible in two distinct, demanding fields. Her legacy is a dual one: six Canadian curling championships as a skip and three decades as a beloved CBC News anchor and reporter. She navigated the intense pressure of national sports championships and the fast-paced world of daily news with the same trademark grace, intelligence, and warm authenticity.
A Champion on the Ice: The Colleen Jones Curling Dynasty
Colleen Jones’s curling career is the stuff of legend. Hailing from Halifax, Nova Scotia, she led her rink to an unprecedented six Tournament of Hearts titles (1982, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004), a record for a skip that still stands. Her team’s dominance in the early 2000s, winning four consecutive national championships, cemented her status as a curling icon.
What set Jones apart was her strategic brilliance and calm demeanor under pressure. She was a master tactician on the sheet, known for her precise draws and clutch takeouts. But beyond the shots, she was a phenomenal leader who fostered a powerful team dynamic with long-time teammates Kim Kelly, Mary-Anne Arsenault, and Nancy Delahunt.
Key Achievements in Curling:
Her success brought new energy and visibility to women’s curling, inspiring a generation of young athletes, particularly in Atlantic Canada, to see themselves on the national stage.
A Trusted Voice in Living Rooms: The CBC Career
Parallel to her athletic stardom, Colleen Jones built an equally impressive career in broadcast journalism. She joined the CBC in the 1980s, bringing the same work ethic and integrity from the curling rink to the news desk. For over 30 years, she was a familiar and trusted presence, primarily as an anchor for CBC News in Nova Scotia.
Jones had a unique ability to connect with viewers, whether she was reporting on a major political story or a local community event. Her credibility was rooted in genuine curiosity and a deep care for the stories she told. Colleagues remember her not only as a consummate professional but as a generous mentor and a supportive friend in the newsroom.
She seamlessly blended her two worlds, often reporting on sports and bringing an insider’s perspective to curling coverage, most notably during the Olympics. Her dual expertise made her a uniquely authoritative voice.
The Person Behind the Titles: Grace, Resilience, and Family
Those who knew Colleen Jones speak first not of her trophies or her broadcast credits, but of her character. She faced her final illness with the same resilience and public grace with which she approached every challenge. In a heartfelt social media post, her son, Luke Mills, shared that she passed away “peacefully with her family by her side,” after choosing to spend her final days at home.
She was a devoted mother to her two sons, Luke and Zach, and a cherished “Nana.” Her family was her cornerstone. Her legacy is one of profound balance—showing that it was possible to be a world-class athlete, a top-tier journalist, and a deeply present family woman. She broke barriers not with loud proclamations, but with quiet, consistent excellence in every role she undertook.
The Lasting Impact of a Canadian Icon
A Final End: Celebrating a Life of Dual Excellence
The outpouring of tributes from the curling community, CBC colleagues, politicians, and viewers across Canada is a testament to Colleen Jones’s wide-reaching impact. She was more than a champion; she was a unifying figure who brought sportsmanship, integrity, and humanity to everything she did.
As we remember Colleen Jones at 65, we celebrate a life lived with extraordinary fullness. She grabbed life’s handle and delivered a perfect shot—one that will continue to inspire long into the future. Her story reminds us that passion, dedication, and kindness can create a legacy that resonates far beyond the scoreboard or the television screen. She was, and will forever remain, a true Canadian icon.
