With heavy hearts and great sadness, the family of Wayne Cooke announce the loss of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and best friend. Wayne died at the Victoria General Hospital on August 12th surrounded by his loving family.
Born October 28th, 1947 in New Glasgow, he was a son of the late Billy and Nellie Cooke.
Family was very important to Wayne and his greatest enjoyment was spending time at his summer cottage at Big Island with them. In 2019, he was very proud to purchase his own property on the Island where he spent quality time with his family and friends. He made it his mission to get rid of the mosquitoes on Big Island. He loved spending time around his yard gardening and in his machine shop. He also loved the outdoors and spent many years snowmobiling. He was very witty and had a great sense of humour right up to his last day.
Wayne grew up in Linacy. He was a machinist at Diamond Construction in Sackville before moving to Trenton, NS with his family, working at Trenton Works for 33 years.
He is survived by his wife and soulmate of 53 years, Bernadette "Bernie" (Fraser) Cooke and their children, Sheri (Ken) Scott, Lynn (Pat) Laffin, John Cooke (Kaela); and grandchildren: Kara Scott, Marisa and Scarlett Laffin, Ellie Cooke, Trevor (chosen grandchild), Nathan and Brady Mills and Kallie Cooke (and their mother Heather Mills).
He is also survived by sisters: Shirley (Jack) Wieler, Sharon (Tommy) Dudka and Sheila (Edgil) Hayter; sisters and brothers-in-law: Joe Lewis, Buddy and Pat Fraser, Mabel Fraser, Anne Romans, Margie and Eldred MacKenzie, Mary and David Urquhart, Sharon Brown, Chuckie Brown, and Brenda and Edwin "Terk" Anderson, who were also best friends. He had numerous nieces and nephews who all loved him dearly.
He was predeceased by his special aunt, Doris; his brother, Junior "Bill" and his wife Erma Cooke; and mother and father-in-law, Bert and Annie Fraser; and by his sister and brothers-in-law: Marie Lewis, Lewis Fraser and Jim Romans.
Wayne loved a good time and enjoyed having drinks with friends. Rest easy, until we meet again, we love you. Please raise a glass in his name - "Sociable!"
Special thanks to Dr. Ednie and both the Thoracic Surgery Unit and the ICU Unit at the VG Hospital.
Visitation 2-4 and 6-8 pm Wednesday, August 16, in R.H. Porter Funeral Home, 55 Almont Ave., New Glasgow. Funeral 11am Thursday, August 17, in the R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow, with Father Tom MacNeil officiating. Donations may be made to Pictou County Special Olympics or a charity of your choice.