COLONEL J. VINCENT COOK CD

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COLONEL J. VINCENT COOK CD (Ret.) (Second World War Veteran) Vincent died peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2014, in his 96th year at the Newport Harbour Care Centre in Calgary, AB. Beloved husband of the late Velma (nee Watt) Cook. Proud father of Richard of Kitchener, ON, John (Julie) of Ottawa, ON, Donald (Jane) of Winnipeg, MB, Paul (Liz) of Katy, TX, Jim (Ann) of Galveston, TX and David (Darlene) of Calgary, AB. Cherished grandfather of Ashley (Rob) and Christopher (Sarah), Owen (Roxanna), Elizabeth, Anne (Robert), Jennifer (Mike), David, Dylan (Mika), Bess and Hayden. Loving great-grandfather of Jackson, Vincent, Dylan, Lily, Isabel, and Aki. Dear brother of Luella and Ramsay (Eleanor). Dearly missed by many nieces, nephews and cousins living across Canada and the United States. Vincent was born in Saskatchewan to Reverend George and Lily (nee Young) Cook. He met the love of his life, Velma, after the family moved to Raymore, SK in 1936 and they were married in 1946. Education included University of Saskatchewan, Canadian Army Staff College, United States Army Command and General Staff College. His distinguished army career spanned from 1946 to 1972. War time service included time in the United Kingdom, Italy and Northwestern Europe with the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps. Post war service included involvement with the Cyprus peacekeeping mission and several postings in Canada and the United States which included Montreal, Ottawa, Whitehorse, Williamsburg, Oakville and Winnipeg. During his final years with the Armed Services he served as Chief of Staff of Ontario Region and as Commander of Prairie Region. After retiring from the army he worked with the Ontario Housing Corporation in London, ON for 10 years. After Velma's death in December 1995, Vincent moved to Calgary to be closer to family. Vincent enjoyed curling, hunting, fishing, golf and bridge. Three words to capture Vince's memory should include Velma, sons and army. Sincere thanks to the staff of Evergreen Club and Newport Harbour Care Centre for their exceptional care and compassion. Vincent's ashes will be placed with Velma's at Woodland Cemetery in London, ON after a private memorial service for family members. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Joseph Health Care Foundation - Parkwood Hospital (Palliative Care) London, ON or Victorian Order of Nurses. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 11, 2014