Charles Arthur Cooke

It is with a broken heart I announce the passing of my partner in life, Charles Arthur Cooke. Charles passed away at Sunnybrook hospital, in the palliative care unit, on Monday November 24th after a courageous two year battle with colon cancer.

Charles was raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia by his grandparents, and loving mother. He attended Gorsebrook P.S. Cornwallis P.S., Queen Elizabeth S.S., and Dalhousie university. In his late twenties, he moved to Toronto and began a thirty year career in payroll & banking (ADP, Coca-Cola and TD bank).

Charles was larger than life. A force of nature, who loved his friends & family deeply. He was a lover of football, baseball and politics. His interest and knowledge about movies & music was second to none - right up until the very end.

Charles spent his life trying to lift others up. Whether that was with words of encouragement, a listening ear or by being an ally when someone was being overlooked, treated poorly or simply going through a hard time.

Charles’ legacy is his daughter Emily Ryane Cooke who he adored beyond measure, and who embodies so many of these beautiful qualities.

He is survived by his wife of 18 years Amanda, his daughter Emily, his mother Heather Maxon, brother Darrell Maxon, mother-in-law Pam Weaver, father-in-law Wayne Weaver, sister-in-law Karen MacDonald, brother-in-law Gary MacDonald as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends whose love & support he appreciated greatly.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the doctors & staff at Sunnybrook hospital, specifically Dr. Monika Krzyzanowska, Dr Sarah Torabi and Dr. Debbie Selby.

In Charles’ memory, donations may be made to:

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Sunnybrook Palliative Care

We invite friends & family to share their memories in the guest book below, which will be included in the “Celebration of life” service in the new year (details to follow).