Obituary of Thomas Cooke

In the 84th year of a wonderful and truly full life, Tom Cooke passed away quietly in the late evening of Sunday, May 10, 2009. He will be missed tremendously by his wife Vera (nee Kachanovsky), daughter Laurie, and sons Tom and Dan and daughter-in-law Cindy, Tom’s wife. Tom was born in Toronto on May 19, 1925 to Hugh Cooke of Londonderry, Ireland, and Sarah (Sadie) Blackburn of Donegal, Ireland, was a brother to Hugh and the late Lloyd, and a well loved grandfather to Laurie’s daughter Yolanda, Tom’s two sons Tommy and Riley, and Dan’s son Tyler. He had an amazing career that began when he joined the city of Toronto Police Department on July 29, 1946, following 2 years and 3 months of service with the Royal Canadian Navy during World War 2. His first position was that of Constable, including time on motorcycle duty and plainclothes, investigative work. Tom was promoted to Patrol Sergeant in 1959, then Staff Sergeant in 1961 while at No. 6 Division. He went on to serve as an Instructor at the Metropolitan Toronto Police College in Willowdale, from 1962 - 1967. The promotions continued: Inspector - July 1967, Superintendent - July 1974 assigned as Commander of #52 Division, Staff Superintendent - January, 1976, assigned as Commander of #5 District, and finally, Deputy Chief - February 1979. Tom Cooke served on a vast number of committees and organizations, notably, completion of an 8 year term with the Metropolitan Toronto Police Amateur Athletic Association, ending as President. He also managed to be involved with community and volunteer work throughout his entire life, particularly with the Canadian Cancer Society. But most importantly, no matter how much he took on, he always devoted the best part of his time and energy to his family, which meant everything to him. Coaching hockey and baseball, endless trips to the cottage, tending to our home and garden and so much more, have left us all better people with many cherished memories. He was a man of integrity all the way, kind to neighbours and friends, and truly concerned for everyone’s well being and safety. Many thanks to the staff in the Palliative Care Unit of Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay, who took such incredible care of him through the final hours, honouring him well. Family and friends will be received at Monk Funeral Home, 6 Helen Street, Bobcaygeon (738-3222 or 866-393-0063) on Wednesday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. and on Thursday, May 14, 2009 from 1 p.m. until service time in the Monk Chapel at 2 p.m. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Ross Memorial Hospital Palliative Care Unit or the Canadian Cancer Society. Messages of condolence and donations may be placed at www.monkfuneralhome.com