April 26, 1974 - June 26, 2023
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 Gushue; 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.
