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THORA GUDRUN COOKE (SIGURDSON)

Date of Passing: Feb 11, 2012

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THORA GUDRUN COOKE (nee SIGURDSON) Passed away at Toronto General Hospital on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at the age of 87, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's. Thora was a loving mother to her son Coat (David) and partner Penelope, her daughter Linda and husband Duncan, and her grand-children Ashleigh and Finlay. Thora was a passionate historian, whose greatest pride was helping to set up and run The Western Canada Pictorial Index at the University of Winnipeg. She was equally passionate about her summer home at Victoria Beach, MB. A memorial service will be held at Bardal Funeral Centre, 843 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, in the late spring. Funeral arrangements under the direction of the Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles Chapel Limited, Toronto 1-800-616-3311. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com. Hun verdur saknad.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 14, 2012

Condolences & Memories (4 entries)

  • I met Thora through Murray Burt and then went on to work with her at the Pictorial Index. Initially, Murray had asked me to cover for Thora whilst she was on holiday for 6 weeks. 14 months later I was still there. The many hundreds of images in all categories in the collection were attributed to Thora's hard work when the Pictorial Index was housed at the University. Later to be moved to Albert St. I decided it was best to go digital, (something that Thora was against.) Through local charities, I had amassed lot's of computers and other equipment, with this in mind. However, arriving to the office one morning, I discovered that she had unplugged all the equipment and stored it behind a dividing wall in the office. She was a very resilient lady. Even to today I still laugh about this, as I found it quite funny. Thora was a strong willed lady - wish I had had her strength. Thora was a host of information, I learned a lot from her. May you rest in Peace Thora. I will never forget you. Betty McMahon - Posted by: Betty McMahon (Worked with Thora ) on: Jun 02, 2017

  • Both Thora Cooke and Eric Wells influenced me and my love for sport history in their dedicated labour of love that was the WCPI... as a summer studemt for the Hall of Fame in the early 80s, I leaned on their wisdom and work ethic and it became a 20+ year career. We'll miss you Thora. - Posted by: Rick Brownlee (MB Sports Hall of Fame) on: Feb 21, 2012

  • I too met Thora through the WCPI at the University of Winnipeg. She and Eric Wells assisted with the establishment of the photo archives for the new Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame estblished in 1980. It was Thora who always went 'above & beyond' with her assistance for our fledgling project. Later she became a true friend to me and others from the sport community who relied on her expertise and knowledge. She loved her work and was a passionate ambassador for Western Canadian history in all its forms. A truly great citizen of Manitoba and a very proud Icelander. - Posted by: George Fraser (Friend) on: Feb 16, 2012

  • I had the great pleasure to volunteer for Thora and the WCPI in the early 90's. Thora's kindness, her compassion and her dedication to her work inspired me, and continue to do so. She left a loving mark on my life and I am grateful to have known her. My deepest condolences to the family. - Posted by: Carolyn Brant (Friend) on: Feb 15, 2012

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