Gilbert W. Cooke
Born In: Country Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Passed in: Glace Bay , Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: October 27th, 2012
It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Gilbert W. Cooke, age 81, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012, at the Glace Bay Hospital, after a brief illness.
Born in Country Harbour, Gilbert was the son of the late Harry and Helen (Hines) Cooke.
Most of his working life was spent in the tourism/hospitality industry. He retired as general manager of Keddy’s Motor Inn, Sydney in 1988.
He was heavily involved as an advocate for the physically challenged throughout his lifetime and most specifically with CID (Community Involvement for the Disabled) and was a past chairperson for LEO (League for Equal Opportunities). In many instances he helped lay the groundwork in bringing awareness to accessibility issues across the province. He was awarded the Commemorative Medal for the 125th anniversary of the Confederation of Canada in 1992 by the governor general of Canada, for these ongoing efforts. He was also a past board member for the old City of Sydney Hospital for a number of years.
He is survived by his wife, Clara (Burns) Cooke; his four sons, Blaine (Monica) Cooke, Halifax, Lindsey (Michelle Campbell) Cooke, Frenchvale; Glen Cooke, Howie Centre; Peter Cooke, Sydney; and one daughter, Elizabeth (Richard) Dawson, Coxheath; his six grandchildren, Jennifer, Nathan, Jillian, Glen Jr., Crystal and Elizabeth and also several great-grandchildren; also surviving is his sister, Alice (Leo) Barron, Toronto.
He was predeceased by his brothers, Leonard and Lantz Cooke and sisters, Jean Middleton and Beverly Carey.
There will be no visitation. A funeral service for Gilbert will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012, at Church of Christ The King, George Street, Sydney, with Rev. Laura McCue officiating with burial to follow in St. Marks Church Cemetery, Keltic Drive, Coxheath.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney.
Family flowers only. Memorial donations may be made to Loaves & Fishes, Charlotte Street, Sydney.
Online condolences may be sent to www.wjdooley.com.
