Robert George Cook

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Robert George (Bob) Cook, who on April 10, 2019, moved on peacefully to his next series of adventures, at the age of 81. Bob was born in Edmonton, AB on January 28, 1938, and was later chosen by Ted and Irene Cook to be their son. His early life was spent working on his family’s farm in northern Alberta (Hythe) with his sister, Beryl (Hotte), who survives him. Bob left home young, eagerly seeking adventure and new ways to contribute to the world. He first got by working as a farm hand, a labourer, and then a deck hand on a paddle wheeler in the Yukon. He willingly assumed any work and did it well, taking up roles anywhere from seafarer to bartender, and worked his way up to managing multiple hotels in Northern BC. Bob ultimately found his calling through protecting workers’ rights, lobbying for fair pay and better working conditions, advocating for job security, and improving safety and labour circumstances for workers. Bob’s brilliant and legally oriented mind, sharp tongue, clever nature, and quick wit supported him well for success as an organizer, fierce negotiator, and business agent for the Hotel, Restaurant, Culinary Employee & Bartenders’ Union, Local 40, where he was a tireless advocate for workers until his well-earned retirement. Bob then dedicated his time to finding fish, feeding birds, raising roses, and nurturing his family at his beloved sanctuary on the quiet shores of Mabel Lake. Bob is lovingly remembered, forever cherished, and survived by his wife, Margaret Blair-Cook, his daughters, Tracey (Robert) Oltmanns, Christian (Chris) Cook-Ross and his sons, Shayne (Brigette) Cook, and Rob (Raelene) Cook. His legacy is furthered by his stepsons, Landon (Jodi), Jeff (Cheryl) and Jeremy (Shannon) Knight, and his grandchildren who he treasured: Benjamin, Taylor (Jordan), Emma, Natalie, Lilly and Fynn. A Celebration of Bob's incredible life will be held at 1:00PM on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at the Mabel Lake Community Hall located at 111 Shuswap Falls Road, Lumby, BC. Bob’s family thanks the dedicated staff and medical professionals at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital and the North Okanagan Hospice Society for their kindness and compassion. In lieu of flowers, we request that you make a donation to a charity of your choice, preferencing options that favour workers’ rights and/or the North Okanagan Hospice Society.