July 15, 1942 – October 30, 2023
at the age of 81 years:
Memorial Service will be held Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. from the Shuswap Community Church, 3151 6th Ave. NE, Salmon Arm
~ In Loving Memory ~
October 30, 2023, Ronald Leslie William Cook passed away peacefully at home in Salmon Arm, BC. Ron enjoyed a full life.
Born July 15, 1942 in Grahamdale MB, he grew up in Steep Rock MB enjoying all things outdoors. After leaving home at 16 to complete Grade 12, Ron began post secondary school in Briercrest, SK; ending up in Bethel College, Minneapolis, MN, and finally obtaining a Master of Social Work from the University of British Columbia.
Ron’s career life included Social worker and Management of Hay River Housing Corporation in1977, eventually becoming the Recreation Director for the Town of Hay River. Before retiring in 2002, Ron was a driving force behind the 2001 Trans-Canada Trail Relay in the community. He was involved in the Baptist Church, Kiwanis Club and the local Curling Club, serving on the NWT Rec and Parks Association and the NWT Curling Assoc. Ron competed at the National level for curling three times (1997 -2002)in both mixed and seniors play.
Ron is survived by wife, Gale K(Purdy) Cook, sister, Delight Knapp (Dave), brothers Doug Cook, Dwight Cook, Rick (Kathy)Cook, son, Ty A. Cook (Blaisse Shaw), daughter Inez Cook, stepdaughters Christine DePauli (Larry Kelly) and Lara DePauli and two grandchildren, Forrest Rowsell and Cian Kelly.
Funeral is to be held at Shuswap Community Church, Salmon Arm (11:00 AM 11/18/23).
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to www.wycliffe.ca/projects/
Gail and family. I was very saddened to hear of Ron’s passing. I have so many wonderful memories of Ron over the years that make me smile. His caring, exuberance for life and infectious laughter are just a few of the things that made him such a special person. He was a mentor to me although I still chuckle that I was never able to convince him that recreation was more than just sports and that arts and crafts were recreational, too. You and Ron were so gracious and welcoming when I visited. Big and gentle hugs. Janie