COOKE – Charles Arthur, 97, of Milton, Queens County, passed away at home with his family by his side on March 27, 2020.
Born in Timmons. ON, he was a son of the late Tremaine and Lena (Langley) Cooke.
Much loved by his family and friends, “Charlie” was a man of many talents and trades. At the age of 17, he answered the call to protect his country, joining the armed forces. He initially served with the 17th Duke of York Royal Canadian Hussars (DYRCH), then was transferred to the 3rd Division Royal Canadian Army Service Corps, seeing action through the United Kingdom, Central Mediterranean and Northwest Europe, most notably France, Belgium, Germany and Italy. It was during leave that he met the love of his life, Florence, a young Scottish lass from Glasgow.
After the war, he worked for many years as a farm manager in Ontario before returning to Nova Scotia with his family. Charlie worked for a time with Nova Scotia Light and Power and served as cook on board various Liverpool fishing vessels. He was a member of Mersey Branch #38, Royal Canadian Legion, Liverpool. For many years he was an active member and deacon of Milton Christian Church. He was a member of the CMF and enjoyed preparing meals for the monthly meetings. Charlie was instrumental in setting up and helping to manage a Food Pantry through the church which would later evolve into the Queens County Food Bank. One of his favorite pastimes was to volunteer wherever he was needed. He and Florence often volunteered to cook for the church summer camp, Johnstone Christian Park and he was often called upon to take on the role of Santa for the church and school events.
In later years, Charlie was most happy puttering about in his workshop and fixing whatever was broken and building scale models of WWII aircraft. He took great pride in his home and property and would insist on doing yard chores himself up until this last year. Visits from his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were always a highlight of his day. One of his most endearing traits was his wit and sense of humor. No matter how bad things in life were, he always had a positive and usually funny way to brighten up any day. Those who spoke to Charlie always walked away with a smile.
He is survived by his sons Charles (Dolene) of Bridgetown, John of Western Head and Paul (Karen) of Milton. His daughters Linda Douthwaite of Dartmouth, Diane (Wayne) McPherson of Wolfville, Heather and Eileen, both of Milton. Grandchildren Tanya, Teresa, Rick, Bobby, Dave Stephen, Dayle, Diane, Amanda and Christine. Several great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Charlie was predeceased by his beloved wife of 57 years, Florence (MacKay), his brothers Frank, James, Irving and Ken and his sisters Zelma, Irene and Bertha. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool. A memorial service will be held at a later date from the Milton Christian Church, Disciples of Christ. No flowers by request, donations may be made to the Milton Christian Church, Disciples of Christ or to the Queens General Hospital Foundation. Online condolences may be made to www.chandlersfuneral.com
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Jennifer Slauenwhite
My deepest sympathies on the loss of a great man
Alta Mason
Diane, and family. My heart goes out to you on the loss of your dear Grampie. Keep all wonderful memories close as you travel this difficult road. Sending healing hugs and prayers.
Stephen Nickerson
Charlie was a very nice man. I can see where the Cooke’s get their humor and generosity. He will be deeply missed. Condolences to the entire family.
Patti Fraser
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Charlie was an amazing man. He will be missed my everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him. He could always put a smile on your face when you chatted with him.
Doug and Nadine Allen
Tanya, so sorry on the loss of your grandfather. Condolences to yourself and the family. A life very well lived and filled with significant accomplishments to be proud of.
Joan williams
Charlie was a loving and caring man. He lived across the street from me on Glenwood st in Milton. I was married to Jordan Wamboldt. Always loved to talk with him. You are right about the yard work. He loved him home and his family. May God bless you, the family, and God bless Charlie.
Shelley Gormley
Eileen, our thoughts are with you all during this most difficult time. Deepest sympathies to you, my dear friend.
Peggyand Richard Hatt
Dear Family .I will add another trait of Charles in saying that he was a gentleman .I’ve always admired his property ,He keep it so immaculate .,. Charles was a very nice and quiet man and pleasant to everyone he met.I am so sorry for your loss.He will be sadly missed by all that had the fortune of knowing him.
Sincerely Peggy and Richard Hatt
Tricia MacDonald
Paul, Karen, Amanda & Christine,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss.
Angela Roy
Dear Paul, Karen and family, we are thinking of you at this sad time in your family.
Kind regards.
Angela and Jeff Roy.
Cathie Pearl--Wentzell
Paul and Family,
We extend our deepest to you and your families. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Kathi (Harding) Parlee
One word comes to mind when I think of Charlie – sweetheart. He was kind, gentle, funny, and caring, Condolences to you all on his loss. Rest easy Charlie.
Debbie J Wamboldt
I will miss seeing Charlie on the lane and giving a wave. our community has certainly lost and honourable man. We send prayers for peace in his family’s hearts at this hard time.
Marilyn Whynot
To Charlie’s family you have lost a wonderful person .He always had a smile no matter what the day would bring. He will truly be missed by all the people in his life and especially his loyal family. RIP Charlie .
Phyllis Leaman
We have lost a valued member of our church and our community,Condolences to the family.
Diane Dexter
Heather and Cooke Family, So sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you all at this sad time.
Tanya White- Kelley
Dear Heather and family,
So very saddened to hear of your Dad’s passing. Prayers and peace at this difficult time.
Joyce Hawkes
Charlie was a great gentleman and always doing things for his other people. I remember him best when I worked for a short time at the food bank He was so kind and helpful.
My thoughts and prayers are with all his family. He will be missed.
Marion Davis
Amanda and Christine Gary and I send our condolences on the passing of your grandfather.
Natasha Freeman
Dayle and family,
Hold tight those memories of a special man…. our deepest sympathy and love at this sad time
Eldrige/Phyllis whynot & family
So sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing our thoughts and prayers are with all the family at this time.
Billand Anna Cox
Cook family
We send deepest sympathy on Charlie’s passing He was a good man to chat with and always left you with a thought and smile. He will certainly be missed by all
Bonnie Hartlen
Dear Heather and family, so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. He was the highlight of my Sunday when we laughed and he was able to cheer you up if necessary. Take care of each other and cherish your memories, he left you with many. With affection. Bonnie Hartlen.
Lynn Rafuse
Heather,My condolences to you and your family at this sad time.
Gail Lohnes
Paul, Karen, Amanda, Christine, Sorry for your loss. May God Bless you and comfort you at this time.
sarah allen
Heather so sorry to hear about your dad . its been awhile since ii saw him but loved the visits with you and him my condolences to all your family
Carolyn Perkons
Eileen and Family – so sorry for your loss. He is the last of that generation I believe.
Wendy Feindel
Heather and family
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. My prayers are with you at this sad time.
Linda & Raymond Wentzell
Dear Paul, Karen and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Cooke’s passing. He was always a cheerful man that made me smile. Enjoyed volunteering with him years ago and having chats whenever we met on the street. He will be greatly missed in the community. You must have many wonderful memories to reflect upon.
Deepest sympathy to all.
Linda & Raymond Wentzell
Susanne Oickle
Heather and Family
As Charlie gets to the other side of “Rainbow Bridge”. Take comfort that he will be reunited with his beloved “Florence” and he shall forever be warm from the everlasting sun that shines upon him.He will also be surrounded by many birds for him to admire.
You will be truly missed & loved always.Be happy & comfortable Charlie!
Love Susanne
Marilyn Huskins
Paul, Karen , Amanda, Christine,
Charlie was a great man , always so cheerful and pleasant to talk to. I have missed seeing him in the stores and in church. He had such an interest in the community starting the Food Bank , etc. and in the church being an elder for so long.
So sorry for your loss and my prayers and sympathy go out to you all.
Marilyn Huskins
Linda & Clarke Rafuse
To all of Charlie’s family, so sorry to hear of his passing. A wonderful life had by him and lots of great memories to be had by you. Our sincere condolences.
Clarke and Linda Rafuse
Judi & Ken Minard
We wish to express our sincere condolences to Charlie’ s family. He was fine gentleman with a lovely sense of humour.
Darren Whynot & Lisa Tarr
To all the family we are sorry for your loss
Ashley Mckinnon
I’m so sorry to hear Charles passing,he was always a nice hearted kind man I ever met on my walks delivering the newspaper to him early mornings,sure going to miss him,rip charles you are reunited with your wife and family,remember to lean on each other for comfort
Derek and Shelly Neilson
We send our deepest sympathies to the Cooke family.
Charlie undoubtedly left all of you with many memories to cherish.
He will certainly be missed.
Sheila & Jerry Feaked
Eileen and family: we are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our deepest sympathy for all of you.
sharon webber
Mom who is Edith Alexander Porter remember’s Charlie ,he used to stay with mom’s parents Ed and Inez Alexander and she would write to him and send packets to him in the army. Mom is 91 in May and lives in Antigonish. Charles ‘s mother Lena was mom’s mother Inez sister. Mom sends her deepest condolence.
Ken Cameron
John and Family
So sorry for your loss. Reading through the obituary your Father was an amazing man with all he had done through out his interesting life. Cherish all those memories he has left you with. Your TIR co-workers send our condolences.
Ken Cameron and the Crew
Department of Transportation
And Infrastructure Renewal
Frank and Jane Croft
So sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing..My heart goes out to you all. He was a very friendly man. Always waving at everyone. May He Rest In Peace God Bless
David whynott of mersey point
To Paul and family and all of Charlie’s family I send condolences at this sad time.Charlie was a great guy and always enjoyed talking to him.
Bless you all.
David and Bonnie Hatt
We are sorry to hear about your loss.Our deepest sympathy to your family.
Karen Mac Rae
Dear Heather and family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your dear father. I can remember many years ago coming to your home to visit with you Heather and having very nice chats with your dad. He was such a friendly and engaging personality. He will be sorely missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. My prayers to you and your family Heather.
Karen Mac Rae (Francis)
Debbie/ Gene Wamboldt
Paul and Family
So sorry to hear of your loss.May you know that you are in our prayers and thoughts
Janette Wamboldt
John And Family,
I am sorry about your father.He tolerated a bunch of kids around his yard playing when we were young and he even use to leave us play in the shed on rainy days and we behaved thats why he left us.He’d remind us just don’t touch anything…just look out the window and be quiet and thats what we did…appreciated that he let us in there,it was a fun place to play.He was a good neighbour
gary conrad and gloria aulenback
gary conrad and Gloria aulenback
apr. 1,2020 at 11;54 pm
to the families,
we are so sorry to hear of your dads passing. he was a great person and always had time
for a chat. our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad time.
Peter & Janet Fountain
So sorry for your loss. Charlie was a significant member of the Milton Christian Church, active for so many years in the men’s group, the choir, taking care of property issues, serving as an elder and on many committees. He was always so cheerful, but sometimes challenged us to stretch in new ways… such as starting a Food Bank. When he was unable to attend church, we missed his cheerful presence.
Peter & Janet Fountain
John LEEFE
In war and in peace, Charles first concern was always the well being of others. He lived Christ’s message of doing unto others…
Mike Foley
My sincere condolences during these difficult times. Charlie was a very influential man in my life, always taking the logical approach to all situations. Sometimes I listened to what he had to say and sometimes I ignored his sound advice and paid the piper later so to speak. He treated me like his own son and I loved and respected him like he was my own father. Stay strong Cooke family and keep him in your hearts. He will always be in mine.
judy quinn
SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS
Tina Kennedy
To the Cooke family,
I just heard about Charlie’s passing and i am very sorry for you’re loss.He was a wonderful man and I loved him dearly. My heart goes out to all of you..