It is with great sadness that we must announce the sudden passing of Donnie Cooke, age 53, of Amherst. Donnie passed away in the early morning of Thursday, August 30, 2012 at the Moncton City Hospital. Donnie's passing was peaceful, having spent Wednesday evening surrounded by his brothers, sisters and children and a few friends.
Born in Amherst, he was a son of the late Donald and Katherine (Halfkenny) Cooke.
Donnie loved life; he loved telling and listening to a good story. Donnie was very active in his community and was a recipient of the "Unsung Hero Award". A truly giving man, he would do anything for anyone. He spent his entire life in the trucking industry as owner operator of everything from limos to garbage trucks, and most recently his towing business. His leisure hours were spent fishing and spending quality time with his children who were often seen in the back of the tow truck. In his younger years he used to build and race cars across the Maritimes.
He will be dearly missed by his children; David Collins, Amherst, Kaden, Makayla and Jaxson Cooke, Amherst; grandson Brandon; siblings, David (Carolyn), Amherst, Margaret B. Fox, Springfield, MI, Elizabeth Cooke-Sumbu, Amherst, Darlene Strong, Brookdale, Michael (Jeanne), Vancouver Island, BC, Edwin, Amherst; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and special friends.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Furlong~Jones Funeral Home, 70 Church St., Amherst (902-667-8777) where visiting will take place on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. The funeral service will take place at the funeral home on Monday, September 3, 2012 at 2 pm, Rev. Jeff Goodwin officiating, assisted by Rev. Christine Slaughter. Burial will follow in the Amherst Cemetery.
Those wishing to make a donation in Donnie's memory may do so to the "Trust Fund for the Kids of Donnie Cooke".