Stillman "Raye" Cooke

Peacefully at the Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John NB, on October 16, 2021, with his family at his side, Raye passed away from a massive stroke following surgery. He was born at Back Bay NB, the first son of Horace Everett and Lois Marie (Leslie) Cooke.

He is survived by his wife and soul mate Alberta, his daughter Krista Lee Cooke and his granddaughter Emma Lee O'Leary, also siblings: Bonnie (Larry) Parks of McAdam NB, Dianne Lambert and Jackie (Dorothy) Cooke, both of Back Bay NB, Nila (Merlin) Craig of Bonny River NB, Gregory (Tammy) Cooke of Tower Hill NB, Barry Cooke of St. Stephen NB and Trudy Cooke of Back Bay NB; sister in law Susan Cooke of St. Stephen NB; brother in law Billy Matheson of Fairview AB as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, Raye was predeceased by his daughter Heather Cook, two brothers: Wade and Sherman, nieces: Shawna (Parks) Coulton and April Parks and brother in law Chester Lambert.

In his early years Raye worked for Connors Brothers at the Back Bay Factory. In 1974 he joined the L.I.U.N.A local #900 labour union in Saint John NB and spent the next 40 plus years working construction jobs throughout the area until he retired. Raye had a passion for being in the outdoors, hunting, getting the firewood or just being at the camp or on the back roads. He also enjoyed travelling and had great trips to the Yukon and Alaska as well as caribou hunting trips to Northern Quebec. Raye was a constant fixture at Tim Hortons and enjoyed his many visits at Tim's, with his circle of friends telling and sharing stories, talking over old times and keeping on top of the news stories of the day. Raye was a devoted family man. He needed to be home to watch over and take care of his "girls"and especially loved being with Emma, teaching her and watching her grow. He will be sadly missed  by his loving family and all who knew him.

In keeping with Raye's wishes there will be no visitation. A graveside service is planned for Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 2pm at the St. George Rural Cemetery with Rev. Anne Boudreau officiating. A small reception will be held following the service at the Presbyterian Church Hall, 180 Brunswick Street, St. George NB. If attending the reception, keep in mind proof of Covid Vaccine and ID is required and must be shown in order to attend. If you wish to do so, donations to charities important to our community would be appreciated by the family.