- So about a month ago, I announced that I was going to start a weekly feature for 2017 entitled ‘People of Orangeville’ to highlight some of the amazing humans that exist in our community. I had started a list of people that I wanted to approach and with the holiday craziness, I hadn’t had the chance to speak to any of the people on my list.
Shortly after opening The Edge Wine Bar and Grille
Sean Coulter, owner of The Edge Wine Bar and Grille was on my list. Not just because he is a local business owner and close family friend, but because he is an awesome human with an inspirational story. Sadly, I didn’t get the opportunity to talk to Sean about being one of my “feature people” before he was taken from us, far too early. Sean lost a courageous battle with cancer on Thursday, January 5th and his family, friends and the community are overwhelmed with the feeling of loss. Kaylene, Gary, Angie, Amber, Candace and the rest of Sean’s family, I have no words that will ease your pain…
Community Love
Let’s start this with a bit about Sean’s contributions to Orangeville. There were so many, but I will touch on a few. Sean was passionate about giving back to the community. Whether it was the Orangeville SPCA, CHOICES Youth Shelter, The Food Bank, Princess Margaret Hospital or OneSight, just to name a few, he was the first one to find a way to raise some money and have some fun doing it!
Golf Tournament for the Orangeville SPCA
Martini’s for a Cure benefiting The Ride to Conquer Cancer for Princess Margaret Hospital
But Sean’s passion really kicked in to high gear when he launched ‘Taking The Edge Off Cancer’ in support of Headwaters Healthcare Foundation’s Oncology Department Expansion. A number of fundraisers have been held over the past couple of years with all proceeds going to support bringing cancer care closer to home.
‘Taking The Edge Off Cancer’ Gala (Photo Credit to Tammy Schneider of SNAP Dufferin)
Donations to Headwaters’ Oncology Expansion from the Gala and BurgerFest (Photo Credit to Tammy Schneider of SNAP Dufferin)
Life is too Short – Live it to the fullest
One of the coolest things about Sean, and there were many, was that if he didn’t tell you that he had cancer, you’d never know. He didn’t let the cancer become his only story. He lived life to the fullest and with no regrets. I like to think that he left this world knowing that he lived a very full, although short, life. My husband and I recently went to visit Sean in the hospital where he had a bit of an extended stay. We walked into the hospital room expecting a quiet, short visit. Well we should have known better. Take away the hospital bed, the machines and the ever-so-flattering hospital gown, and you’d think we’d just walked into a party! There was loud laughter echoing throughout the room and ever a few beer being cracked open. I had to laugh, because only Sean could turn a hospital stay into a party where everyone was welcome 🙂 And even though he was quite obviously unwell, his smile never faded, his laughter never quieted and he never for one moment stopped planning his next move. He talked about needing to get back to work “cause it’s Christmas-Party-Time, ya know” and was planning a trip to the Florida Keys with his lovely girlfriend, Candace so she could get a well-deserved break and get her feet in the sand.
Sean lived by the motto “It is what it is” and chose to keep living, to keep loving and to enjoy every moment. It was one of the many things that I loved about Sean and one of the best lessons he could have ever taught me. I take that part of Sean with me and you should too…sometimes life throws you a curveball….or ten…but it is what it is…accept it and keep on keepin’ on. Don’t stop laughing. Don’t stop loving. And most importantly, make the most out of every moment. Life is too short.
I wish I could be a fly on the walls of heaven – because I am sure that there are a lot of great people up there enjoying the BEST party they’ve ever seen now that Sean has joined them! I don’t know if there are bars in heaven, but if there are, I’m fairly confident that one of them is lined with shots and is likely on fire.
(special thanks to Aristea Doukas for posting this video from New Year’s Eve)
A celebration of Sean’s life is being held at the Edge Wine Bar and Grille on Sunday, January 8th from 2-6pm. Donations to ‘Taking the Edge Off Cancer’ would be appreciated! Let’s keep Sean’s memory and mission alive.
Rest in Peace Sean. Orangeville was made a better place with you in it. We will miss you.
John Vanderland says
January 7, 2017 at 6:39 pmI’ll miss Sean he was a great guy. He knew all of my family right down to grandmother, that’s just the type of person he was. Very friendly and open always had a smile on his face.
Great story Lisa this is your best.
Michelle wslsh says
January 7, 2017 at 6:42 pmWhat a beautifully written story of Sean and the man he was !
Gary Coulter says
January 7, 2017 at 6:43 pmBless you Lisa, thank you so much for your kind words! Yes, Sean will be missed, however all that had the pleasure of knowing Sean, I’m certain will have fond memories! Always in my heart Sean, I love you through eternity, xoxo Dad
Kori Reid-Young says
January 8, 2017 at 6:40 amDear Gary,
While I only have known Sean as a young boy from my summers in Canada with grandma George, I do have memories of a very sweet boy that went around and told everyone he loved them. That was probably the first indication of the kind of person he would grow up to be. Sounds like he was incredibly loved and adored. Please know we are deeply saddened to hear of Sean’s passing. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Kori and family (Rose George’s granddaughter from the states)
Cathy Szabolcs says
January 7, 2017 at 7:04 pmLisa , so well said . Orangeville has suffered a tremendous loss. Sean will be always remembered and cherished by many .
Jody says
January 7, 2017 at 7:05 pmSean was a phenomenal golfer and participated in many of the golf charity golf tournaments. I don’t know how many people realize how good he was at it but I remember seeing him tee a ball on the block and hit that ball the farthest I’ve seen with someone else’s club upside down. Then got a hole in one that game as well. He was a fun guy and will be sadly missed.
Ross Hughes says
January 7, 2017 at 7:46 pmWhat an amazing story about Sean. I only wish I knew him better. EVERY TIME I was in his presence it was memorable. Truly one of Orangeville’s best people of all time. Well done Lisa!
Kate and Don says
January 7, 2017 at 8:08 pmWhile not as close to Sean as many, we will miss him immensely. Always the smile, I already miss that smile.
Karena says
January 7, 2017 at 8:21 pmI met sean when he was 18
We both went to steveston highschool in British columbia
Sean was always joking laughing and involved in so many socials at a young age he started working in the restaurant /dance and pub scene when he was in his late teens in richmond bc
I moved back home and it wasnt many years after i bumped into him again at the puck n ball
Great guy and you can see he was a great friend to everyone
Was nice to cross paths with you so many times!
Sue says
January 7, 2017 at 9:13 pmBeautifully said. We will miss him as a great supporter of Community Safety Partners ( and the only person to get a Hole in One at our golf tourney. I will miss him personally for the great support both he and Gary have given me in this past year. Wish I could be on that wall with you Lisa! I am sure he is already planning his next adventure.
Meagan says
January 7, 2017 at 9:32 pmI met Sean back in Brampton at the good old Puck N Ball. Always had a shot ready for me when I came. We had some great times and was very easy to talk to and be with. Cant believe he is gone but know he is in a better place. You will be deeply missed by your family and friends.
Love you always.
Brenda & Tom says
January 7, 2017 at 9:41 pmSean was the cousin of our dear friend Barbara Ann Crozier. I heard so many great things about him. I never got to meet him. RIP. Our hearts and prayers go out to BA and the families. Xo
Bill White says
January 7, 2017 at 10:06 pmSean was a class act. Always greated you with a.hand shake and a smile. How can you get.a more genuine greeting then that. Had.many a great evenings at the edge most I remember. Lol. What an honour it was to share some Cabo with. Sean RIP
HASTA LUEGO !!!!!.
Wendy says
January 7, 2017 at 10:36 pmIt’s been a long time since I have seen Sean. Working together at the Puck and Ball was A LOT of fun!
Memories I willl always cherish. That smile….always he smiled….it was contagious.
You were taken way too soon Sean.
Dan & Laurie-Anne says
January 7, 2017 at 10:54 pmA tribute like this is a testament to the type of person Sean was. Although he may no longer be with us, his memory will always live on in the lives of those he has touched.
Tam says
January 8, 2017 at 7:55 ambeautifully written Lisa. I’m sure Sean would tell you he doesn’t deserve such praise but he does. Sorry for your loss – Tam
Kevin Hartley says
January 8, 2017 at 9:01 amGary and family,
Sorry for your loss of Sean. He was a wonderful man always full of good cheer and smiles. It has been a while since we had seen Sean, but he remained in our thoughts.
Kevin and Nancy Hartley
John Wright says
January 11, 2017 at 12:07 amWhat a wonderful Tribute to Sean Coulter, Lisa.
Gary, my heart goes out to you for the loss of your Son, Sean. My thoughts are with your entire Family.
I was proud to work with Sean & Gary when they took ownership of The Edge. Both Gary and Sean were wonderful to work with and most generous.
Orangeville has lost a true Gentleman.
I’m sorry I wasn’t aware of Sean’s passing.
Stephen Jones says
January 17, 2017 at 7:52 pmI am a distant 2nd uncle from South Carolina. Aunt Verna states this guy was “cute” and nice as you would ever want. Thanks LISA.