George "Butch" R. F. Cook

It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of George “Butch” R. F. Cook, FICB, CLU, ChFC, CFP., who passed away on January 24, 2026.

Born to George D. Cook and Dorothy P. Cook (Samson) in St. John’s Newfoundland.

Although he was a “Townie”, he was fortunate to spend his summer months in Three Island Pond, Topsail, where he created memorable moments trout fishing with his brothers, picking blueberries for his mother, and rowing the wooden punt from one end of the pond to the other. In later years, that community, as well as his years studying at Bishop Field College, was a source of many long lasting friendships. During his time at Bishop Field College, he fell in love with a 16 year old, fresh faced girl from Buchan’s named Loretta, who was attending Bishop Spencer College. The young couple quickly became inseparable, and a few short years later were married, marking the start of a remarkable love story that would span more than six decades.

Butch excelled at mathematics while at Bishop Field, so much so that the Bank of Montreal gave him a job as soon as he had his diploma. His career as a young banker meant multiple transfers throughout Atlantic Canada for the newlyweds but Liverpool, Nova Scotia was impossible for them and their three sons to leave. He put out his own shingle and founded G. Cook and Sons Financial Services, a family business two of his sons later joined and still “carry the torch”.

The Liverpool years were very rewarding for Butch and Loretta - they had an enviable social life with an amazing circle of close friends. They enjoyed ski trips to Cape Breton, trips to Coffin’s Island, playing music, and dinner parties. Gifted with a natural ear for music, Butch could pick up almost any instrument, from guitar to harmonica to piano, and play by ear. He delighted in making and sharing music with family and friends. He loved a game of cards, whether it was regular scheduled poker games with his buddies, bridge with Loretta and their friends, or crazy 8’s with his grandchildren. In fact, during the Covid shut down, he racked over 3200 games of cribbage with his wife, most of which he won. He touched a lot of lives with his generosity, sense of humour, and warm presence that made every room brighter the moment he walked in.

Butch was a dedicated and active volunteer in his community. He shared his time and talents with numerous organizations, including the Liverpool Business Improvement District Commission, Junior Achievement, the Boy Scouts, the Brooklyn Marina, Kiwanis, K40, the Nova Scotia Pointing Dog Club, and the Scotch Club. Whether mentoring youth or supporting local initiatives, he made a lasting impact on the lives of many and on the community he loved.

An outdoorsman at heart, Butch pursued fin, fur, and feather with his dogs, his sons, and his friends, traipsing kilometers up rivers and through dense alders. Fishing and hunting trips were always paired with a hearty meal and good company. Ever the storyteller, he faithfully recorded each adventure in his journals. Regardless of whether or not the excursion was a success, his telling of the tale afterwards made the adventure equally memorable.

Butch is survived by his loving and loyal wife of 64 years, Loretta M. Cook (Yetman). His sons Robert (Sonya), Peter (Heidi), Thomas (Heather). His grandchildren Victoria (Jesse), Amelia (Brendan), Spencer and William. His brothers, Gordon C. Cook and Samson G. Cook, and nieces and nephews.

Butch was predeceased by his parents, sister in law Sheila Cook and many, many loyal and cherished dogs.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool, NS.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool, with reception to follow. A link to livestream the service will be available at the time of the service. Donations may be made in Butch’s memory to Queens Manor in support of Queens Adult Day and Respite Program. PO Box 1283, 20 Hollands Drive, Liverpool, Nova Scotia  BOT 1KO.

It seems only fitting to close this with a limerick, which he had a knack for reciting:

Butch Cook was a great man, tried and true,

Whose pride in his family grew and grew,

With sons, grands, and wife,

He played every hand of life

With a twinkle that always shone through.