Suddenly December 25, 2019 in the arms of his wife Darlene and surrounded by his family.
Thomas Edward Earnest Cook, the name given to him on February 27, 1938 by his parents Thomas and Dorothy Cook. He quickly became known as “Tuffy” for his feisty take on the world approach. There was no challenge to small or too big for this big-hearted independent kid. He loved to get his hands dirty, working on cars, pumping gas, driving race cars… He took on tasks with enthusiasm and zest. When he met and married his best friend, and love of his life, Darlene Currie, he became husband. A name which he so proudly carried for the past 60 years. Thomas had many accomplishments, the first of his three momentous moments started with raising his three children, Christine Yates (Bob), Russell Cook, and Lee-Ann Pettenuzzo (Joe). He was a hard working and dedicated man, teacher and storyteller. He was an excellent provider to his family and ensured raising his children in a happy home showing how to love and be loved was paramount to success. His accomplishments included fixing cars, selling cars, opening his own garage and eventually becoming an educator where he finished his career at Sault College, sharing his knowledge with many students and setting the stage for new mechanics to take on the challenges of diagnosing and repairing vehicles.
Thomas’s roles also included grandfather. A role he was honoured to hold. Grampa to his beautiful and grateful grandchildren Lacey Elliot (Mike), Lindsey Albury (JD), Chelsey Yates, Dylan Cook, Alexandra Pettenuzzo and Josh Pettenuzzo (Sandra Pagnotta). He taught many skills to this crew, as they delighted in spending summer days swimming in the pool, having bon fires and BBQ’s and cooking something on the wood cook stove in his garage. Tom’s ability to fix anything, challenge anything and continue learning everything never stopped.
In addition to the various nicknames he held, one of his proudest and most defining over the past 10 years was Cooker… A name given to him by Denver Joe whom he shared a special bond, "Cooker” shared stories, told jokes and was enthusiastic to see his great children come and visit and share their stories with him. Jada Thorton, Drew and Jayce Aubrey, Miss Mia Elliot (who appears to have inherited the story telling gene), Jackson Turco and Jessie De Francesco.
While raising his children and grandchildren Tom delighted in learning how to do magic and spent countless hours in his spare time learning new tricks and putting on magic shows which included having a rabbit appear out of a hat. Tom loved his pets and was infamous for his love of dashounds. Tom and Darlene’s love for the breed was endless as their pets had lived a long and indulgent life. His latest fur baby Charlie will miss him and his daily snuggles watching television on their favorite chair.
Tommy will be missed by his brothers and sisters, Gerry Cook, Larry Cook, Barb and Jim Middleton, Leslie and Susan Cook, Bob and Denise Cook, Darlene and Heinz Graves, Ronald Cook, Janice and Wayne Seppala, Daniel Cook and Donna, Diane Jollicure, Freddy and Marj Cook . He was predeceased by his brother David Cook. His brother in law and friend Donald and Lynda Currie, and his sister in law Diana and Allan Clark and late Dirinda Gower. He will be joined in heaven also by is mother and father in law Gordon and Margaret Currie. Several nieces and nephews, cousins and friends will continue to miss his presence.
Friends are invited to visit at the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington ST. E 705-759-2522) on Monday, December 30, 2019 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm and Tuesday, December 31, 2019 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Funeral service to follow in the Chapel at 1:00 p.m., followed by cremation. Inurnment at West Korah Cemetery in the spring.
The family would like to thank the first responders and emergency department at Sault Area Hospital for their support and assistance and to Paula, who stopped to help. Due to Tom’s willingness to support others, in lieu of flowers donations (payable by cheque) can be made to ARCH or a charity of your choice.