It is with sadness that we announce the passing of David “Dave” Cooke on May 16, 2026, at the age of 98.
Dad was born and raised in Devlin, Ontario, where he learned the values of hard work, family, and community that guided him throughout his life. He moved to Atikokan to work at the mine. On two occasions, when his father became ill, Dave returned to Devlin to help his family – first to tend the family farm and later to manage the post office for a year until his mother was able to take over.
Dave and Clareen were married on June 19, 1959. After returning to Atikokan for a period of time, the family eventually settled in Fort Frances in 1962, where Dave began a long career with Boise Cascade, dedicating 29 years to the company before retiring.
In 1971, Dad built the family cabin, a place that became the heart of countless family memories and where he spent many of his retirement years. Never one to sit still, Dave was happiest when working on a project, fixing something around the cabin, or heading out on the water to fish.
Whether you knew him as Dave, Dad, Grandpa, or Cookie, he was known for his strong work ethic, kind nature, and easy-going personality. Soft-spoken but always ready to sit and visit, he enjoyed sharing stories and “BS-ing” with family, friends, and neighbours alike. He had a wonderful sense of humour and loved teasing those around him. You could always tell when he was enjoying himself – his laughter would grow into a full shoulder shake that was impossible not to join in.
Dad loved card games and never wanted to miss game day. Whether it was Solitaire, Rummy, Smear, or Cribbage, he was always ready to play. He taught three generations of family members how to play cribbage, making it the game of choice at the lake. Beating Grandpa at cribbage was considered the ultimate victory. Dad never quite mastered a poker face; a slight smile or quiet chuckle usually gave away the strength of his hand.
Dad was also known for his sweet tooth, particularly his love of ice cream. It was a daily treat that he enjoyed right up until the day before his passing.
Dave was predeceased by his wife Clareen; brother Leonard Cooke; sisters Margaret Weatherbee and Jean Hughes; brothers-in-law Morley Weatherbee, Wallace “Bubs” Hughes, Wilfred Caul, and Ted Davis; and nephews Gary Linquist and Bob Weatherbee.
Dave is survived by his daughters Kathy (Rick) Jewell and Sandra Cooke (Tim Kehler); grandchildren Nicole (Brad) Hill, Brett Jewell (Josh Gibson), and Marina Jewell (Trevor Martin); and great-grandchildren Duncan, Griffin, and Kendall Hill; sisters Lois Caul and Fay Davis; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Bev and Victor Gustafson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Dave will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Rainycrest Home for the Aged for the care, compassion, and kindness shown to Dave.
As per Dad’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a private family gathering will be held at a later date.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario.
