The world of Canadian curling is in mourning following the death of Colleen Jones, a true icon of the sport, who passed away at the age of 65 after a battle with cancer.
A Life of Championships and Records
Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Colleen Jones built a legendary curling career that spanned decades. Her accomplishments are a testament to her skill and dedication. She captured six Canadian national titles and two world championships. Jones made an incredible 21 appearances at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, playing more games at the national women's championship than any other curler in history. Her record of 152 Scotties wins stood for years until it was recently broken.
Her legacy includes being the youngest skip ever to win a Canadian women's title in 1982. She then led her team on an unprecedented run, winning the Scotties again in 1999 and then securing four consecutive national titles from 2001 to 2004, becoming the first woman ever to achieve this remarkable feat.
Tributes Pour In From the Curling Community
News of her passing prompted an immediate and emotional outpouring from peers and admirers across the sports and broadcasting industries. A moment of silence was planned in her honour at the 2025 Canadian Olympic curling trials in Halifax.
CBC reporter Devin Heroux expressed his devastation on social media, calling Jones "larger than life" and stating he would be "forever inspired by how she lived. And fought. And loved."
Team Homan described her as "a true legend who shaped the sport we love," while reigning Ontario champion Danielle Inglis thanked Jones for "paving the way for female curlers" and for being "an incredible mentor." Brad Jacobs, a reigning Brier champion, recalled watching her as a kid and called her "an icon in the sport."
A Legacy Beyond the Ice
Colleen Jones's influence extended far beyond her athletic achievements. Her contributions were formally recognized with inductions into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in 2016 and an appointment to the Order of Canada in 2022.
She was also a familiar face to Canadians through her long and respected career as a broadcaster with the CBC, making her a beloved figure on two of the country's biggest stages. Her passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of curling fans, colleagues, and all who were inspired by her joyful spirit and champion's will.
