It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Cordell Boland on the morning of June 26th, 2023, at the age of 49.
As an avid outdoorsman, fisherman and hunter, Cordell joined the Canadian Forces as a member of the primary reserve at the age of 17, and eventually transferred into regular forces as an Armoured Crewman. This incredible career which spanned over 26 years saw him leave his home province of Newfoundland and Labrador for postings in New Brunswick, Quebec and Alberta. He held positions in both operational units and training establishments as an instructor and had several international and domestic deployments. In Canada he was deployed to the Winnipeg floods in 1997, the G8 Summit security force in 2002, and the Canmore floods in 2013. Internationally Cordell had completed 5 operational tours of duty including Bosnia in 1997 and again in 2003, Kosovo in 1999, Afghanistan in 2010 and most recently to the Ukraine in 2016. In 2018 Cordell finally decided to hang up his combat boots and retire from the military as a Master Warrant Officer, but before doing so he was awarded the Member of the Order of Military Merit (MMM) medal which recognizes distinctive merit and exceptional service displayed by the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces. For the next 5 years, Cordell worked at Canadian National Railway before finding his dream job this spring at Pioneer Offroad Rentals.
Cordell was a dedicated husband, father and friend. He leaves behind his wife, Sarah; as well as his sons, Curran and Jacob; mother and step-father, Maxine and John Hedderson; sisters, Sonya (Dereck) and Melissa (Spencer); step-sister, Johanna; aunts, Sharon (William) and Michelle (Shears); uncles, Pat (Rose) and Dave (late Anne); nieces and nephews, Jonathan, Katie, Susanna and Neil; and great-nieces, Keanna and Karlee. He is predeceased by his father, James Boland; grandparents, Herman and Shirley Gushu, James and Catherine Boland; and uncle, John Boland (Jeanette).
Cordell would have done anything for his family, military family and his friends. He touched so many lives on his journey with his humour, guidance, support and generous spirit. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten. A sincere thank you to the Sturgeon Community Hospital ICU staff for all their care and efforts.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations if desired to VETS Canada. (vetscanada.org)
Celebration of Life to be held on Saturday, July 22nd at 1:30pm at the Kingsway Legion (Royal Canadian Legion Br. 175) 14339 50 St NW, Edmonton.
Trish Brown says
We are so heartbroken to lose such an honourable and amazing man. He was a brother to us and an Uncle to our boys. Cordell will never be forgotten. I am so very sorry for your loss.
John Lamothe says
My sincerest condolences to the family, I served with Billy for a long time. He will be sorely missed.
Brian Rose says
My condolences on your loss. I served with Billy. We were in the Arctic together in 2005. He was lots of fun and always dependable.
Eric and Judy Sheppard says
Maxine and family’s, sorry to hear of your son’s passing, there are no words to ease your pain for the days ahead. Sending you all much love, rip
Scott Long says
My sincerest condolences to Billy’s family, his friends and to his military comrades. I had the privilege of serving with Billy in the Strathconas. He was a tremendous soldier with a great sense of humour and a strong work ethic. He loved his family and would do anything for his friends. He set the example and mentored many a soldier. His loss is deeply felt by many. May God Bless and keep Billy and comfort his family and friends left to mourn. RIP. Respect always.
Scott Long
Perseverance
Bernice Maddigan says
Condolences to his family and friends✝️
Tracy Drake says
Sending my deepest condolences to Cordell’s family. I have many fond childhood memories of Cordell and our fun times in Brigus. A truly great person.
Scott deCaux says
I served with Billy at the Regt in the early 2000’s, his sense of duty was always brightened by his sense of fun, he will be sorely missed.
Oral Virtue says
My sincerest condolence to Billy’s family. I had the privilege to serve with him.
Connie Hatcher says
Maxine & Family,
It’s difficult to find the right words to say when you lose your Son. Just Remember all the precious times you had with him.
We are so sorry for you and the family.
Keith & Connie Hatcher, Mt Pearl, NL
Steve and Kim Farrell says
My deepest condolences to the family. I know Cordell will be sorely missed. Sarah always included him in conversation. I’d use military jargon and Sarah would follow up with Billy to confirm that I wasn’t full of BS. Lol. Sometimes it was like he was right there. I wish Sarah and the boys all the best in this time of sorrow.
Shirley Mclean says
Maxine I cannot express the saddest I feel for you and your Family and Cordell’s wife and two sons my deepest condolences to you all
Condolences all to those who will Grieve the lost of this man that made an impact and touched there lives so deeply.. ❤️
Rob Ovens says
My Deepest Condolences to Cordell’s family and friends. Billy was one of those people you consider yourself blessed to meet and call friend. You will be missed brother save us a chair at the fire.
Darrell Peters says
Deepest sympathy for your loss. Billy will always be remembered as a friend, father and soldier. He will be missed by all those who knew him. Never forget!
Rocky says
“Billy was a fellow soldier whom I held in the highest regard. Whenever he spoke, his honesty and intentions were crystal clear. He possessed remarkable intelligence, a great sense of humor, and was a joy to be around. I actually checked up on him recently, curious if he had achieved the rank of RSM, a path many of us thought he’d excel in. To my pleasant surprise, he had chosen to retire from the CF, which brought a smile to my face. It’s heartwarming to know he was exploring new horizons in this limited time we have on this Earth. I hold nothing but deep respect and affection for him and his family. Love you, brother.”