Ronald Cooke

Ron Cooke passed from our world suddenly due to complications from prostate cancer on the morning of November 4^th, 2020 at the age of 83. He is survived by his long-time partner and traveling companion Mary Smylie, his first wife and best friend, Jennifer Cooke, and their two children Davin and Lesley and daughter-in-law Michele Larkin. He will be missed and remembered fondly by his grandchildren Quinn, Zoe, Samantha, and Liam, his brothers and sisters, Jim and Beryl, Elizabeth, Margaret, Kathleen, Carolyn and Don, and their flourishing families, and his many cousins in Western Canada. Also by his stepsons and daughters in law, Clark and Jennifer, Jeff and Ann, Gordon and Susan, Stephen and their children and grandchildren Jesse, Amie, Carey, Meghan, Maggie, Ryerson, Jared, Adam, Jenny, Shannon, Alex, Thomas, Cameron, Rachel, and Devon.

Born into a pioneer farming family in Spiritwood, Saskatchewan Ron worked hard at his studies and on his father’s farm and shop leaving home at a young but prepared age to pursue his career. First enlisting and serving 5 years in the RCAF followed by serving over 35 dutiful years at the Department of Foreign Affairs. Ron was deployed to many corners of the world to establish and then maintain communications links between Canada and the various Embassies and Canadian offices. Stationed in Ottawa’s HQ, and to Canadian posts in Moscow, Russia, and London, England, Ron advanced through his government career achieving higher management positions, hiring and encouraging many young people, and their families to serve in the government abroad in his former roles. Promoted to serve as Attache’ to the Canadian High Commission London, Ron completed his mission and returned home to Ottawa to be recruited back for many projects until finally retiring. At home, Ron loved working in his workshop and his garden but devoting his time proudly as W. Brother, Officer, and Past Master with the Brotherhood of Masons, Civil Service Lodge No. 148 Ottawa District 1. With his seasoned sense of humour and long-lasting friendships, Ron also bore the honor as a distinguished member of the Old Foreign Affairs Retired Technicians (FARTS). As an active senior, Ron enjoyed many sunny times in winter retreats visiting family and making new friends in Texas, Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Middle East spreading cheer and goodwill with his constant calm demeanor.

A loving partner, husband, dad, brother, grandfather, and friend, and all-around fix-it man, Ron was taken too soon for all of us. A private military service will be held for Ron at the Beechwood Cemetery for invited family and guests where his ashes will be entombed. Instead of flowers, please promote prostate cancer awareness https://www.prostatecancer.ca/ and support your favorite local Masonic charity https://www.masonicfoundation.on.ca/