HOWARD VIRGIL COOK

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HOWARD VIRGIL COOK Passed away peace-fully at Seven Regions Health Centre, Gladstone, on Friday, May 18, 2001, at the age of 89 years. Howard was born January 27, 1912 on the family homestead in the Pembroke District, north of Gladstone. He received his education at Pembroke School. On August 1, 1945 he married Roberta Wilson of Gladstone. They had two daughters, Wilda and Wanda. He farmed with his brothers in the Pembroke District for many years. In 1985 Howard and Bert retired to their home on Hyde Park Crescent in Gladstone. Due to failing health, they moved to Legion Place Apartments in 1995. Howard was a Charter Member of the Gladstone Elks Lodge, curled for many years with the Gladstone Mens Curling Club and also belonged to the Gladstone Square Dance Club. He was an avid fan of baseball and hockey. He loved the outdoors, enjoying his garden and yard, various types of carpentry and was a handyman in many ways. Music played an important role in his life. He played the guitar and there was many a singsong and jam session enjoyed with family and friends over the years. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and will be remembered fondly by all. Predeceased by his parents, one sister and seven brothers, he was the last surviving member of the family of Claus and Mamie Cook. Left to mourn his passing are wife Roberta of Gladstone; daughter Wilda (John) Park; grandson Scott (Liza) and great-grandson McCullough, granddaughter Kristy, all of Deloraine; daughter Wanda (Dean) Toth and grandchildren Brynae, Jenna, and Jesse of Gladstone. Also surviving are two sisters-in-law, several nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral service was held on Tuesday, May 22 at 2:00 p.m. in the Gladstone United Church with Rev. Blair Whyte officiating. Interment followed in the Gladstone Cemetery. Reflections of Wilda and Wanda was given by Wilda Park. Organist was Sherry Hanna, United Church Choir was in attendance, and a special vocal selection "Let The Rest Of The World Go By" was sung by Dick and Malcolm Graham, who were also the ushers. They were accompanied by Jean Scott. Pallbearers were Warren Kunzelman, Ron Gabor, Chris Chandler, Ken Otto, Jamie Walker, and Roy Lees. Honourary pallbearers were Earl Clayton, Leonard and Marjorie Fehr, Walter Otto, Ot and Carol Kunzelman, Edgar Poersch, Albert Poersch, Bill Chandler, Doug McBride, Allan Watson, Ken McCaskill, Madge Otto, Edythe Adamson, Grace Adamson, Jean Scott, and Dorothy Bell. Members of the Gladstone Elks Lodge attended as a body and formed a guard of honour. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Manitoba Lung Association, Box 2879, Stn. Main, Winnipeg, MB R3C 9Z9, or to a charity of their choice. Clarkes Funeral Home, Gladstone in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 26, 2001