Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Keith Cook who left us peacefully at the age of 60, surrounded by his family who love him so dearly.

Keith’s fondest childhood memories are of the time that he and his family lived in Eaglesham, Alberta.  The little town was full of artistic and creative people, which makes it so easy to understand why he felt so comfortable there.  Keith was so happy to have reconnected with many of those people, in recent years.

Keith’s teenaged years and into his early twenties were full of adventure and shenanigans.  Most notable are the many missions he and Smitty went on which were far too epic to go into detail about here, and all of the back road heart to heart conversations with his Uncle Bruce, who taught him so much and gave him guidance that he continued to follow for the rest of his days.

Keith was also a dedicated and hardworking man, he spent over 35 years in the construction industry where he earned the respect of both his colleagues and his clients.  During the last few days of Keith’s life, he had many conversations with former co-workers and he was so honoured for them to tell him that they were thankful to have known him and worked along -side him and in many cases to have been mentored by him.  Keith’s work ethic was unparalleled and he took great pride in providing a beautiful life for his family.

Keith’s greatest accomplishments were not measured by professional standards but by the love and devotion he showed his wife and daughters. He was the truest of loves to his wife of 30 years, Leah. Always her biggest cheerleader and supporter of any ideas she brought to their table.  Keith would push her to pursue her dreams and in his last days reminded her to go out into the world and “shine her light”.

Keith was so proud to be Madison and Brooklyn’s Daddio.  From countless hours of playing baby daddy, building lego, and colouring pictures, to long hikes, coffee dates and meaningful conversations, their bonds deepened from those playful childhood moments into profound friendships  rooted in love, trust and shared experiences. His guidance and unwavering support helped to shape them into the remarkable young women they are today.

Keith was also so proud of his nieces and nephews; Merissa & Jon, Carley &Casey, Charlene & BJ, Jordan & Amanda, Alanna & Marlon, Nicole & Rich, and Danielle & Tyler. He had special relationships with them through different stages of their lives and it gave him great joy to see them grow into amazing adults and start their own families.  He so loved that they had such great kids of their own, those kids he called the “the Greats”.

In recent years, when his illness prevented him from working, Keith was able to rediscover his creative side.  Woodworking became a passion and he has left his family with many art pieces to treasure forever.  He was so happy to be able to share his love of woodworking with his sister Denise and even more grateful that their shared interest, took their relationship to a new level of love and friendship that neither of them knew existed.

Keith was also an avid hiker, he recently told Leah that he could look around the mountains surrounding their city and know that he and his trusted girl, Stella, had explored them all.  We will find comfort in those hills forever more.

Music.  Music was an integral part of Keith’s life, right to the end.  Music ran deeply through his soul and came out of him in many different ways.  He recorded his own album of songs that he wrote and played/sang on and encouraged anyone with the slightest interest, to do the same.  He wrote songs with his daughters and shared a very special musical bond with his niece, Merissa.  He said that he knew and grew up on the classics and that Riss kept him interested in exploring the newer music, he was so happy to have that shared love of music with her.

Keith leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, and strength that will continue to inspire those of us that were lucky enough to have him in our lives.  His spirit will forever walk the trails he loved and be woven into each note of the songs we listen to and we will find peace in both.

Keith leaves so many people to miss him and celebrate his legacy including; His wife Leah, their daughters Brooklyn and Madison (Kaden), his parents Joyce and Lloyd, his sister Denise, Leah’s parents Shirley and Andy, and Bill, his brother and sister in law Cliff and Stacey, brother in law Martin, along with his nieces and nephews and all of their children, aunts and uncles, cousins and so many friends.