Obituary of Anthony "Tony" Marinus COOLS

April 30, 1940 – Overdinkele, Holland
February 5, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Tony Cools passed away Friday, February 5, 2021, in Calgary, AB, at the age of 80.

Tony loved his family more than anything in the world and had many great adventures with his brothers and sisters growing up.  Born in Overdinkel, Holland, the Cools family moved to Canada when he was 13 years old. He held various jobs throughout his career. Tony worked on the sugar beet farm in Raymond, AB. While working for Safeway, he moved up the ranks to become the youngest store manager at 25, managed one of the busiest Canadian Tire stores in western Canada, tested his entrepreneurial skills with 60 Second Laser Photo, even dipped his toes into politics, and later became a bus driver. Tony donated his time and talents being a Lions Clubs member, active member of CNIB, helping various organizations, donating blood, and even helped Saint Michael’s Church in hospitality.

Tony met Jenny while attending a social dance.  Impressed with his dancing skills and (somewhat) “Elvis look”, they started to see each other more and more. While Jenny tried to not be too embarrassed with his jovial behaviour, they grew closer and married in 1964.  With the family growing there were many extended family vacations at the Dutch’s campground in Vernon, BC. He’d pack up Jenny and the boys into the camper, blasting ABBA and of course his favourite music, Country & Western!  Here we would find him soaking his feet in the creek, enjoying the occasional Pilsner, fishing, playing cards, teaching his kids how to waterski, and joking around with the family - wanting to be the centre of attention, with a smoke and coffee in hand. He enjoyed dancing and even joined a square-dancing club.

Tony worked hard for his family and created many wonderful memories. He took his sons to Holland, always had comments and suggestions how to improve things (right or wrong), and often bragged to whoever he could how proud he was of their accomplishments.

Tony will be loved and missed.

He is survived by his wife of nearly fifty-seven years, Jenny, their four sons, Anthony, Jeffery, Cameron, and Jason; along with three grandchildren, Matthew, Alexander, and Christiana.  Tony is also survived by several siblings and loved by numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael’s Catholic Community (800 85 St. SW, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at St. Michael’s Eternal Springs Columbarium.  Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Tony’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Anthony Cools, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.