Gifford Garnet Cooke
1938-2024
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dad, Gramp, and patriarch Gifford Garnet Cooke. Gifford passed away on Sunday the 3rd of March at home, surrounded by his family. Born on April 5, 1938, in L’etete, New Brunswick to Percy and Maretta Cooke (nee McNichol). Gifford grew up in Deadman’s and Blacks Harbour, where he worked as a Marine Mechanic for over 30 years. Often called Wizard for his skills with a wrench, he proudly overhauled, repaired and maintained vessels throughout Atlantic Canada.
His love for the water continued when he and his two sons started fish farming in L’etete NB, and co-founded Cooke Aquaculture Inc.
He was proud of his family’s accomplishments and loved giving back to the community where he raised his family.
In his later years, his love of woodworking led to his pursuit of boat building. He proudly built many boats in his workshop with the help of his son Michael and his good friend John.
Dad had an undeniable faith in his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He had a generous heart and always supported missionaries around the world, many of whom he counted as good friends and chosen family.
Survived by his soulmate and best friend, his wife of 65 years, Marjorie (Hill), two sons Michael (Starr), Glenn (Pamela) and his daughter Debbie (Michael) Szemerda, six grandchildren, Brett (Sylvia) and Bethany (Tim) Cooke, Allison and William Cooke, Meagan (Connor) and Caitlin (Philip) Szemerda, five "Littles" (Old Gramp’s great-grands) Luca, Lincoln, and Stella Riva & Julianna and Jameson Cooke. Also survived by his brother Ron (Donna) Cooke and several nieces and nephews and "chosen daughter", Ivy.
Besides his parents Gifford was predeceased by his sister Marjorie MacIntosh, and brothers Hazen, Ernest, Bernard, and Lloyd Cooke.
Charlotte County Christian Academy held a special place in Dad’s heart. He treated the kids to ice cream every school year and could even be found in the kitchen serving. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to Charlotte County Christian Academy for the new building project at www.charlottecca.ca/support or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences to the family can be made by visiting https://cookeinfo.com/gifford .
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Dr. Vance Anderson and all the nurses for their kind and compassionate care, especially Kim & Jenna. The love and care they extended to him will be forever appreciated.
Arrangements in the care of the St. George Funeral Home (506-755-3533) 26 Portage Street, St. George NB. The family will receive visitors at Sea View Full Gospel Church in Back Bay, NB on Wednesday, March 6th, 2-4 pm and 6-9 pm. The funeral service will be held from Sea View Full Gospel Church, Back Bay NB on Thursday, March 7th at 2 pm.
For those who cannot attend in person livestream of the service will be available at https://youtube.com/@SeaViewFullGospelChurch?si=8nmUfh4Pfprnl-dI