Obituary of Colonel J. Vincent CD COOK

April 23, 1919 – Carlysle, Saskatchewan October 8, 2014 – Calgary, Alberta Vincent died peacefully in his 96th year at the Newport Harbour Care Center in Calgary, AB. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Velma Isabel Cook (nee Watt). He is survived by his son Richard of Kitchener, grandchildren Ashley (Rob) of Toronto and Christopher (Sarah) of Toronto, great-grandchild Jackson; son John (Julie) of Ottawa, grandchildren Owen (Roxanna) of Los Angeles, CA, great-grandchildren Vincent and Dylan, granddaughter Elizabeth of Dubai; son Donald (Jane) of Winnipeg, granddaughter Anne (Robert), great-grandchildren Lily and Isabel, granddaughter Jennifer (Mike); son Paul (Liz) of Katy, TX, grandchild David; son Jim (Ann) of Galveston TX, grandchild Dylan (Mika) of Winnipeg, great-grandchild Aki; son David (Darlene) of Calgary and grandchildren Bess and Hayden; sister Luella of Calgary and brother Ramsay (Eleanor) of Toronto and many nieces, nephews and cousins living across Canada and USA. Vincent was born in Alameda, SK to Reverend George Russell Cook and Lily (nee Young). In his early years he enjoyed many outdoor activities with his cousin and lifelong friend William Young. He met the love of his life, Velma, after the family moved to Raymore, SK in 1936 and they were married in Toronto on February 17, 1946. His education included the University of Saskatchewan, Canadian Army Staff College, United States Army Command and General Staff College. His Distinguished Army Career spanned from 1946 to 1972. War time service included time in the United Kingdom, Italy and Northwest Europe with the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps. Post war service included involvement with the Cyprus peacekeeping mission and several postings in Canada and the USA which included Montreal, Ottawa, Whitehorse, Williamsburg, Oakville and Winnipeg. During his final years with the Armed Services he served as Chief of Staff of Ontario Region and as Commander of Prairie Region. Soon after retiring from the Services he served the Ontario Housing Corporation in London for 10 years where he and Velma enjoyed many friends and family visits and trips to their favorite Florida destination Vero Beach, USA. After Velma’s death in December 1995, Vincent moved to Calgary to be closer to family. Vincent enjoyed curling, hunting, fishing, golf, bridge and recreational sports with his six sons. Vincent was a well read, well-spoken man and was noted for his sharp memory which he shared through many stories. Three words to capture Vince’s’ memory should include Velma, sons and Army. Sincere thanks to the staff of Evergreen Club and Newport Harbour Care Centre for their exceptional care and compassion. Vincent’s’ ashes will be placed with Velma’s’ at Woodlands Cemetery in London, after a private memorial service for family members. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Parkwood Hospital (Palliative Care) London or the Victorian Order of Nurses. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Col. J. Vincent Cook, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Calgary, AB, T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.