Philip Henry Cook

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Philip Cook on September 2, 2025, surrounded by his family, after having suffered a severe stroke on August 31. Philip will be forever missed by his wife Janet, children Matthew and Sarah, son-in-law John, and grandchildren Benjamin, Martin, Caroline, and Simon.

Philip was predeceased by his parents, Reginald and Ivy, his older siblings Ralph, Roy, Ken, Dorothy, and his daughter-in-law Tara. He also leaves behind his sisters Mary and Barbara, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Philip was born in Dagenham, Essex, UK on March 31, 1946. He met Janet when they were 5 and 4 years old at Church in Dagenham but didn’t start dating until 12 years later. They were married on June 3, 1967, and emigrated to Toronto, Canada the next day. They lived at various locations in the Greater Toronto area for over 58 years.

Philip started work at Pearl Assurance Company in London, UK in 1962 and after moving to Canada held various management positions in the insurance industry and obtained his MBA. He established his own consulting and management company, Focus Group Inc., with Janet in 1986, and founded Omega General Insurance Company in 2005. Philip retired from the Omega Group in 2024 but continued providing consulting and expert witness services to the insurance industry right up to the time of his death. Over his career, he also taught insurance classes, was a frequent speaker at industry events, and volunteered his time, most notably as the President of the Insurance Institute of Ontario from 1989-1990, and as founding chairman of the Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) Society.

Philip and Janet have been active members of Melville Presbyterian Church for over 30 years. Over this time period Philip was an Elder, volunteered on numerous committees, organized various events, acted as guest speaker, and led services. He also supported nearby Malvern Presbyterian Church in various capacities. Philip was loved and respected by members of both congregations.

Philip and Janet travelled extensively, with favourite locations in Jamaica and Turks and Caicos. Philip loved spending time with family and friends at the family cottage, where he enjoyed boating, swimming, playing tennis and pickleball. He spent many hours cheering on his children and grandchildren at their sports events. In his down time, he liked to go for walks and read. He regularly supported local restaurants in Unionville and was known to partake in a glass or two of red wine!

Although a quiet man who only spoke when he had something important to say, he had a natural talent for public speaking and storytelling. Philip’s generosity, compassion and understanding were evident in the way he interacted with everyone. Philip will be missed by all, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A visitation will be held at Giffen-Mack Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 4115 Lawrence Ave. E, West Hill, ON M8Z 2C4 on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held at Melville Presbyterian Church, 70 Old Kingston Road, Scarborough, Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Immediately following the Funeral Service, interment and reception will follow at Melville Presbyterian Church.

The service will also be available via Zoom for those unable to join in person. Please contact Matthew or Sarah for log-in details.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made to:

The Heart and Stroke Foundation https://www.heartandstroke.ca/donations

or

Melville Presbyterian Church https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/melville-presbyterian-church-west-hill/