Date of Birth: August 9, 1922
Date of Death: March 14, 2015
James Harvey Cook of Whitewood passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at the age of 92 years.
Harvey was born on August 9, 1922 in the Golden Plain District north of Langbank. He was the son of Reg and Mabel Cook, the eldest of four siblings. He grew up there, and in 1942 joined the R.C.A.F. as an aircraft frame mechanic in Victoria, BC. On his discharge, at the end of the war, Harvey married Hattie Cross on November 13, 1945. The first year was spent farming with horses in the Golden Plain area. In the spring of 1947, they moved south of Windthorst which was their home for two and a half years. In 1949 they moved back to the Golden Plain District, where they farmed until 1987. The farm was an integral part of his life, and even when living in town, he enjoyed coming out to the farm to make sure the boys were doing it right.
He drove the combine in the fall of 2014 and wanted to make sure he took off at least a hopper full of grain.
Harvey had many interests. He helped with the Whitewood Orioles Hockey Team and was also a frequent spectator of baseball games in town. He enjoyed golfing and curling and played his last curling game about three weeks ago. Harvey enjoyed kids of all ages and would help build Cub cars and Scout semis, and his cars were always the fastest on race day. Harvey was involved in both Kennedy and Whitewood Legion.
He enjoyed woodworking, and his last project was a violin that he enjoyed playing downstairs. Harvey and Hattie spent about 19 winters in Texas enjoying the sun and spending time with friends.
Harvey is survived by Hattie, his wife of 69 years; his sons Roger (Darlene), Brian (Kim) and Orville; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Neill (Shauna) Cook, Reece and Emily; Daniel (Selena) Cook, Addison and baby to be born in May; Raylene Cook; Jeff (Rhonda) Cook, Samantha, Zoey and Jake; Jason (Shenelle) Cook, Brady, Shayda, Jaxon and Creston; Jasmine Cook; Cory (Darla) Cook, Mitchel and Brianna; Clayton (Mona) Cook, Zach, Austin, and Samantha; Tammy (Chris) Picard, Nicholas, Abagail, Elizabeth, and William; his sisters Ellen (Bill) Gair and Louise (Henry) Klippenstein. He was predeceased by his parents and by his brother Arthur in 1994.
Harvey will be remembered for living life to the fullest, his wry sense of humour, his love towards his family, his quiet faith and his personal integrity. He will be greatly missed.
Donations in Harvey’s memory may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion, Whitewood Branch #87 or the Whitewood Evangelical Missionary Church Mission Fund.
Harvey’s funeral service was held Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at Whitewood Evangelical Missionary Church with the Rev. Joseph Steeves officiating. Daniel Cook and Kim Cook shared the eulogy followed by special music tributes by Cleve Sauer and Sherri Steeves. Renee Oshowy and Linda Beutler led in the hymns “Great is Thy Faithfulness” and “In the Sweet By and By”. Members of the Royal Canadian Legion Whitewood Branch #87 formed an honour guard, and all those who knew and loved Harvey were considered honorary pallbearers. Interment took place in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Moosomin with Harvey’s grandchildren acting as pallbearers. Arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Whitewood.
