Skip to content

Eathorne talks about the loss of Dawn Coe-Jones

Penticton's A.J. Enthrone shares her feelings as Canadian golfing icon Dawn Coe-Jones lost her battle with cancer.
34876penticton161112PWNSEathorneCoeJones
PENTICTON'S A.J. EATHORNE

Penticton’s A.J. Eathorne started her Saturday learning that Canadian golfing icon Dawn Coe-Jones, 56, lost her battle with cancer.

Eathorne played on the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour with the Tampa Bay, Fla. resident. Golf Canada reported she died from bone cancer, which she was diagnosed with earlier this year.

“Dawn was one of my best friends. Was a big mentor and like a big sister to me,” said an emotional Eathorne, who received text messages about the news and spoke to a friend. “It’s a tough loss, but it’s a tough loss for a lot of people.

“She was the one that was such a huge Canadian icon for women’s golf and for junior golf in general,” continued Eathorne. “She loved the sport more than anything. It showed. Just her passion was always there no matter what. Even if she had a bad day, she keeps smiling and thanking people for being around. It was her life. I’m just glad I was a part of it.”

Eathorne, who works at Vernon's Predator Ridge Golf Course, got to see Coe-Jones in September and gave her what ended up being a final hug.

“I think at that point she kind of knew already,” said Eathorne, adding that cancer is not anyones friend and that it took a good one. “It’s sad to know that that might be the last time you see somebody. She still had her great smile. Lots of words of encouragement.”

Eathorne roomed with Coe-Jones on the LPGA. While talking about some favourite memories, Eathorne said everything was always fun with Coe-Jones, from enjoying practice rounds to joking around, having a margarita or a glass of wine.

“It was just about living life to the fullest. Enjoying wherever we were,” said Eathorne. “It didn’t matter if we were in Hawaii or some kind of small town in New York. She was always up for doing something fun.”

According to Wikipedia, Coe-Jones competing on the LPGA from 1984 to 2008 winning three tournaments. She was inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame in 2003.

Coe-Jones, who was born in Campbell River, is an inductee of the B.C. Golf House Society Hall of Fame.