Barbara COOK

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COOK: Barbara Ann Cook of Clanwilliam, Manitoba passed away on August 19, 2014 at the Health Science Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba at the age of 50 years. Barbara Ann Johnston was born on February 7, 1964 at the Erickson District Hospital. She attended Erickson Elementary and graduated from Erickson Collegiate. Barb also attended Assiniboine College and graduated from the Business/Accounting Program in 1984. She was confirmed in the Erickson Lutheran Church. Curling was also a big part of her life. Barb worked at a number of jobs before opening up her children’s store, “Little Boutique”, in Erickson. She met and then married Ken Cook in April 1988 and they settled on Ken’s uncle’s farm near Clanwilliam. Their son, Brendan, was born in February 1989. After working a few years at Riding Mountain National Park, she went into partnership and opened a Dollar Store in Minnedosa. Later she bought out her partners and became the sole owner of the Minnedosa Dollar Store which she operated for 19 years. She loved people, evident in what lengths she would go to find what her customers needed. Barb was involved with the local Chamber of Commerce, on the Minnedosa Credit Union Board, and the Clanwilliam Hall Board. She volunteered her time and talents to many events: the curling club and bonspiels, safe grad, and any cause she could participate in some way – definitely a community supporter. This led her into a catering business known as ‘Cookins Catering’. She loved to cook for, and feed people. Barb was well known in the community, she loved children, helped the elderly, and always had a smile, kind words and a listening ear. Her family loved and adored her, especially grandchildren, nieces and nephews. As one niece said, “It was always an adventure going to Aunty Barb’s house”. These are some of the kind words that have been said of Barb on Facebook: willingness to help, beauty, grace, kindness, wonderful smile, awesome, caring, humorous, cheerful, fun loving, ray of sunshine, uplifting, earth angel. We agree, and as someone said, you’ve “earned your wings”. Barb was predeceased by her father Wendell Johnston and son Brad Cook. She is survived by her husband Ken Cook, one son Brendan Cook, and one daughter Nicole Cook and husband Mike Kotak, and grandchildren Bryden, Dallas, and Aleha. Also surviving are her mom Mavis Johnston, sisters Diane Yakiwchuk (Fred) and Wendy Northey and several adoring nieces and nephews. The Funeral Service was held on August 25th, 2014 at the Minnedosa Community Conference Centre with Rev. Natasha Pearen officiating. Interment took place in the Minnedosa Cemetery. Honorary Pallbearers were everyone in attendance. Donations, if so desired, can be made in Barb’s memory to the Minnedosa Palliative Care Service. Minnedosa Funeral Service was in care of arrangements.

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 29, 2014