Col. Vincent Cook (Ret.)

COOK, Colonel J. Vincent CD (Ret.)
(WWII Veteran)…..

Vincent died peacefully, on Wednesday, October 8, 2014, in his 96th year at the Newport Harbour Care Center in Calgary, AB. Beloved husband of the late Velma (nee Watt) Cook. Proud father of Richard of Kitchener, ON, John (Julie) of Ottawa, ON, Donald (Jane) of Winnipeg, MB, Paul (Liz) of Katy, TX, Jim (Ann) of Galveston, TX and David (Darlene) of Calgary, AB. Cherished grandfather of Ashley (Rob) and Christopher (Sarah) all of Toronto, Owen (Roxanna) of Los Angeles, CA, Elizabeth of Dubai, Anne (Robert), Jennifer (Mike) all of Winnipeg, David of Calgary, Dylan (Mika) of Winnipeg, and Bess and Hayden of Calgary. Loving great-grandfather of Jackson, Vincent and Dylan, Lily and Isabel, and Aki. Dear brother of Luella of Calgary, AB and Ramsay (Eleanor) of Toronto, ON. Dearly missed by many nieces, nephews and cousins living across Canada and USA. Vincent was born in Saskatchewan to Reverend George and Lily (nee Young) Cook. In his early years he enjoyed many outdoor activities with his cousin and lifelong friend William Young. He met the love of his life, Velma, after the family moved to Raymore, SK in 1936 and they were married in Toronto in 1946. Education included University of Saskatchewan, Canadian Army Staff College, United States Army Command and General Staff College. His Distinguished Army Career spanned from 1940 to 1972. War time service included time in the United Kingdom, Italy and NW Europe with the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps. Post war service included involvement with the Cyprus peacekeeping mission and several postings in Canada and the USA which included Montreal, Ottawa, Whitehorse, Williamsburg, Oakville and Winnipeg. During his final years with the Armed Services he served as Chief of Staff of Ontario Region and as Commander of Prairie Region. Soon after retiring from the Services he served the Ontario Housing Corporation in London, ON for 10 years where he and Velma enjoyed many friends and family visits and trips to their favorite Florida destination Vero Beach, USA. After Velma’s death in December 1995, Vincent moved to Calgary to be closer to family. Vincent enjoyed curling, hunting, fishing, golf, bridge and recreational sports with his six sons. Vincent was a well read, well-spoken man and was noted for his sharp memory which he shared through many stories. Three words to capture Vince’s memory should include Velma, sons and Army. Sincere thanks to the staff of Evergreen Club and Newport Harbour Care Centre for their exceptional care and compassion. Vincent’s ashes will be placed with Velma’s at Woodland Cemetery in London, ON after a private memorial service for family members. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Joseph Health Care Foundation – Parkwood Hospital (Palliative Care) London, ON or Victorian Order of Nurses. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com