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CHARLIE COOKE  Obituary pic

CHARLIE COOKE

Date of Passing: Apr 03, 2015

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CHARLIE COOKE Charlie Cooke, 52 years old of Stonewall, MB, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 3, 2015. He is predeceased by his father Al and mother Norma. He will be missed by his wife of 26 years, Bernadette, four children Gregg, Jesse (Jen), Bethany and Rebecca (Kyle), two grandsons, Issiah and Ben, his siblings Bill (Marrie Cooke), Allison (Rick Barnlund), Maureen (Albert Lohmer), John and countless family members, friends and students. Charlie taught for a combined thirty years, first in Oxford House, then Stonewall Collegiate Institute. He loved talking with his students about music, sports and making them laugh. During this time he also coached SCI's girl's soccer team, winning three provincial championships. Charlie loved refereeing football with MFOA, playing hockey, listening to loud music and going to the Whiteshell and Arizona. He was a passionate Winnipeg Blue Bombers season ticket holder, Winnipeg Jets fan and an avid concert-goer. Charlie was diagnosed with cancer six weeks prior to his sudden passing. His family would like to thank the nursing and doctoral staff at Stonewall Hospital for making his transition as comfortable as possible. There will be a public Celebration of Life for Charlie on Sunday, April 12 at SCI's gymnasium at 2:00 p.m. In Charlie's honour, please come wearing a sports jersey or concert t-shirt. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Stonewall Collegiate Music Program, 297-5th Street West, Stonewall, MB, R0C 2Z0 or North Whiteshell Trail Association, Box 31, Seven Sisters, MB, R0E 1Y0. All are welcome to join the public Facebook group Remembering Charlie Cooke. Special thanks to MacKenzie Funeral Home.
Publish Date: Apr 11, 2015

CHARLIE COOKE Charlie Cooke, 52 years old of Stonewall, MB, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 3, 2015 after a brief illness, with his wife Bernadette by his side. He taught for a combined thirty years, loved coaching soccer, refereeing football, playing hockey, listening to loud music and going to the Whiteshell and Arizona. His family would like to thank the nursing and doctoral staff at Stonewall Hospital for making his transition as comfortable as possible. There will be a public Celebration of Life for Charlie on Sunday, April 12 at Stonewall Collegiate Institute's gymnasium at 2:00 p.m. In Charlie's honour, please come wearing a sports jersey or concert t-shirt. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Stonewall Collegiate Music Program, 297-5th Street West, Stonewall, MB, R0C 2Z0 or North Whiteshell Trail Association, Box 31, Seven Sisters, MB, R0E 1Y0. All are welcome to join the public Facebook group Remembering Charlie Cooke. Special thanks to MacKenzie Funeral Home.
Publish Date: Apr 10, 2015

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 11, 2015

Condolences & Memories (23 entries)

  • I was away in early April and only recently learned of the loss of Charlie. Charlie, Allan, Tim, Lyle and I would go to Allan's for lunch on many days...listen to music, talk about school, life, music, sports, world or local events, our dreams/goals for the future...whatever the topic of the day. My Mom still fondly recalls acting as a chaperone during our grade 12 French trip to Montreal and Quebec City with Mr. Arnal. We stayed in hostels, explored the cities and did our best to speak French and immerse ourselves in the culture. We had some interesting experiences. I am grateful that these guys accepted this Balmoral girl into their group. It is heartwarming to read about the impact Charlie has had on so many students, family and community members. What a loss!! And far too soon. - Posted by: Barb Melnychuk (High school friend) on: Apr 26, 2015

  • Mr. Cooke taught me biology way back in the late '90s. He was awesome. Always had time to talk to us if we had a problem or help us in any way he could. I still can't believe that he's gone, he was such a good man. My condolences go out to his wife and children. His smile could really light up a room. God bless you Charlie, thanks for everything you did for all of us! - Posted by: Jodie (Former Student) on: Apr 17, 2015

  • I had the pleasure of being a student in Mr.Cooke's class for 2 years in a row. He always had a smile on his face no matter what, his short movie clips each class were the things students looked forward to during their school day. Even if you never had Mr. Cooke for a teacher or didn't play high school soccer I can promise you he made a difference and a positive impact on the students everyday! You will be missed. RIP to best teacher ever! Xoxo - Posted by: Tori Arsenault (Student) on: Apr 14, 2015

  • Mr. Cooke was by far my best & favoritest teacher all throughout high school. He always had the biggest smile that could light up the room. I'll never forget our chats about hockey in general & of course the Bombers. May you Rest In Peace Charlie Cooke! - Posted by: Lauber (Former student (For 3 years) ) on: Apr 13, 2015

  • Charlie and I hung out in 1984/85 in one of his Dad's various Dodge Darts. He always had such a good heart and was truly a nice guy down to the core. We lived just a couple miles apart on different farms in the Stonewall area. I am so glad God let me brush upon him for a brief while as he was so full of life and fun. We would drive around Winnipeg on Friday Nites and talk about girls and try to figure out ways on how to impress to them. So glad he meant a good one and became a Grampa! Wow.....Ain't Funny how Time Slips Away? God Bless you Mr. Cooke. - Posted by: Brad James (Friend) on: Apr 13, 2015

  • My first teaching post was in the remote community of Oxford House. Charlie was my first contact with staff and the setting was just outside my teachage with sounds of back in black blaring out of his home. He immediately shared his many years of experience on how to survive OH. His advice served me well, and we enjoyed many years teaching in Oxford House with Charlie. He will be missed. - Posted by: Jeff Hiebert (Colleague in Oxford House and friend) on: Apr 12, 2015

  • I met Charlie through his wife Bernadette, we were co-workers and still friends. He also taught my daughters in high school and was a co-worker at PB Trusses with my husband many years ago. He was a fun man to be with. My special memories were at our staff Christmas parties. He loved to party with everyone, and dance the night away! And when there was karaoke he would be up there singing! Always a smile on his face that could only make you smile back. My condolences to the family and thank you for sharing this amazing man with us. - Posted by: Linda Jensen (friend) on: Apr 11, 2015

  • He was the teacher everyone talked about when I first got to sci. in grade nine he was the one all the older kids spoke great about and always said he had dads cookies. Which i might add who doesn't love dad's cookies? He was also my mother's practical teacher for her two years in education before becoming a teacher. he was inspirational to many and will never be forgotten. charlie Cooke was by far a great man - Posted by: mike voetman (was one of my teachers all through highschool ) on: Apr 11, 2015

  • Charlie Cooke was a member of our community of oxford house. many years he taught here plus engaged in the community from playing goalie in ice hockey n playin a band. I will always remember him rocking out, takin care of business by bto and here is where he met Bernadette where there love grew - Posted by: darrell duncan (student/friend/co worker) on: Apr 11, 2015

  • Mr. Cooke was my English teacher for grade nine last year and my geography teacher this year. He was my favorite teacher and I always enjoyed going to class early and having a chat about the Jets or the Bombers or well any other random topic. He will be missed. Rest In Peace Mr. Cooke - Posted by: Trent Brownlee (Student) on: Apr 11, 2015

  • He was my teacher for a few years and a great coach. He was one of my favorites, he will be missed. He always smiled and told me to show up to class if i wanted to play soccer. He was always there if you needed something or help. He was never afraid to tell you how it is and always wanted to see the best in people. - Posted by: melissa gulay (student) on: Apr 10, 2015

  • My daughter had the privilege of having Mr. Cooke as a teacher for 2 years. During the 1st year I made an appointment for parent/teacher to thank him for being a great teacher and to let him know that he was my daughter's favourite teacher. The 2nd year I made an appointment to simply say "you're still her favourite". Our thoughts go out to his family. - Posted by: Bonnie Hollingshead (parent of student) on: Apr 09, 2015

  • I enjoyed playing football with you. You were our Trevor Kenard. Charlie THE TOE Cooke. - Posted by: Perry Pirie (school mate) on: Apr 09, 2015

  • I am sad to hear of the loss of such an amazing man. The time I spent working with him and the team in high school still is a highlight for me. I recently was looking back in my yearbooks and had to smile at the shenanigans that we all got up to. Being a part of the Rams taught me a lot of life lessons that I have carried with me. Charlie was the glue that held all of us ladies together and made us a success. My condolences to the family and all whose life he touched. - Posted by: Brett Dalman (Student) on: Apr 09, 2015

  • To many people that I know, Charlie was a teacher. Whether that be at the front of a class or otherwise, he devoted the better part of his life to making a difference in the community that I, and many others, grew up in. Whenever his name has been mentioned, it's with fondness, respect, and kindness. I will always remember my Uncle Charlie for his kindness, patience, and devotion to both the family he loved, and the children who's lives he bettered. I have always thought of death as a natural part of life, that what mattered was the legacy you left, and the way you touched the lives around you. While I'm sure many will agree that the legacy he left was one that he could be proud of, it's hard to not still feel the weight of loss and grief. I'll miss him deeply. - Posted by: Matthew Colomy (Nephew) on: Apr 09, 2015

  • I Had the opportunity to have Mr Cooke for 4 years. He will be missed. Prayers to the family Class of 2002 - Posted by: Dawn Kratzer (student ) on: Apr 08, 2015

  • Charlie was always there with an open ear. He had so much energy and the greatest sense of humor. For many years we poked and prodded each other with our brilliant wit and sarcasm. Haha. More than that though, and beyond that, it was quite apparent how important Charlie's family was to him and I feel so much for you now. I will remember him always. He was a great coworker, and he was a great friend, but above all else; he was a truly good man. Heartfelt sympathies to you, Bernadette and Family. - Posted by: Kelly Rapke (friend/coworker) on: Apr 08, 2015

  • Hey we'll miss you Mr. Cooke. You were a great teacher! Loved the times in English class, you always made it out to be fun. - Posted by: Tiffany Klassen (Student) on: Apr 08, 2015

  • I am very saddened to hear of Charlie's passing. I had the privilege of working in his classroom last year. He was a pleasure to work with. He always had a smile on his face and a good joke to tell me. He was a natural with the students and it showed as each and every one of them loved him. My deepest sympathy to his beloved wife and children....he loved you so much! My deepest sympathy to the current & former students of Stonewall. He loved you all too! - Posted by: Lana Knor (former colleague) on: Apr 08, 2015

  • Charlie helped me when I was coaching soccer for the first time, he gave me many pointers and was always there if I needed help. He also taught my children in high school and was amazing with the teenagers. He will be missed by many but he will never be forgotten. RIP Charlie. - Posted by: Joanne McIntyre (friend ) on: Apr 08, 2015

  • My deepest sympathies to the family! I had the pleasure of having Mr. Cooke as a teacher. Many fond memories... discussing English, Biology or the latest concert announcement. He was a great teacher, one of my favorites. You will be missed! - Posted by: Kristy- Class of '99 (Student) on: Apr 08, 2015

  • Although we haven't crossed paths in a while, we will remember Charlie as a friend, and Stonewall United soccer team-mate. He was taken from us all too soon. R.I.P Charlie. - Posted by: Wendy & Marty Olson (schoolmates) on: Apr 08, 2015

  • I had the honor of having Mr. Cooke as my teacher for 4 years. I loved going to his class. He was an amazing teacher and a great man! You will be missed. Amanda - Class of 98 - Posted by: Amanda Jean (Student) on: Apr 08, 2015

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