People of Perley - Tony Cobden

For more than 17 years, volunteer Master Warrant Officer (ret'd) Tony Cobden has been a fixture at Perley Health. His warm smile, willingness to pitch in where needed, and deep respect for Veterans have made him not only a valued volunteer, but also a friend and confidant to countless residents. Whether it's helping with the Breakfast Club, accompanying residents on outings, or sitting down for a game of cards, Tony is the kind of volunteer who makes a profound difference.

His journey with Perley began almost by chance, while enrolled in a French language course that required real-world engagement and community service outside of class hours.

“We found Perley and started working in the ice cream parlour. I'd practice my French with the francophone Veterans, and it just clicked. When the course ended, I couldn't imagine stopping. I thought, ‘This is the best thing since sliced bread! I have to stay.' And I did.”

Tony's dedication to service began long before his time at Perley. He spent 41 years in uniform – four in the Reserve Force, followed by 37 in the Regular Force. His trade was communications research, and it has been a special joy for him to discover Veterans at Perley who once shared that same role. These shared experiences often lead to deeper conversations.

“We talk about Morse code and the way things used to be,” says Tony. “There's an immediate connection, it's like a brotherhood of arms.”

Since beginning his journey at Perley, Tony's role has grown. Sometimes he is asked to join commemorative events that connect the present generation with those who came before. Tony finds those experiences especially meaningful. For him, volunteering isn't just about giving back, it's also been profoundly healing.

“It's helped my mental health, which I was struggling with a little after the military,” he says. “These are the best days of my week. When I come here, I leave feeling lighter. I always tell people there's no better place to volunteer.”

That passion for recruiting others is rooted in his belief that Perley offers something truly unique, a community that honours Veterans while also enriching the lives of everyone who walks through its doors.

“The therapeutic recreation staff here are incredible. The programs they create keep the Veterans engaged and happy, and they treat them with such love and care. I've never seen anything like it.”

One memory specifically stands out for Tony – being named Volunteer of the Year in 2019, with the plaque presented to him by his friend, fellow Veteran Gerry Bowen.

“That meant the world to me. We spent so many hours together, just having coffee and chatting. To be recognized by him made it even more special. I'll never forget it.”

For Tony, the work is personal. He hopes to continue volunteering at Perley for as long as possible, showing up week after week, sharing laughs over coffee, listening to stories, and making sure no veteran ever feels forgotten.

“I'm going to volunteer until I can't,” he says. “This place has given me so much. I just want to give back for as long as I can.”

Watch Tony on CBC coverage of Remembrance Day 2024: