Obituary of Archie Walter Cook

It is with great sadness that the family of Archie Walter Cook announce his passing which occurred on Monday, October 11, 2021, at the Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John, NB. Born in South Ohio, NS, on April 28, 1940, he was a son of the late Captain Harold and Margaret (Moses) Cook.

Archie is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Margaret (Rorke) Cook of Rothesay, NB; children: Glenda MacLean, Lynn Knodell (Stephen), and Charlie Cook (Jill) all of Rothesay; grandchildren: Chantal, Sarah, Zachery, Caleb, Chloe, and Anna-Claire; brother, Harold Cook (Helen) of South Ohio, NS; sister, Doreen Cook of Yarmouth, NS; and brother-in-law, Francis Cook; as well as many extended family members and friends. In addition to his parents, Archie is predeceased by his sister, Della Cook; and son-in-law, Ian MacLean.

One of Archie’s first business ventures was to purchase a cow and care for it to help raise funds for his college education.  This led him to Ontario Agricultural College where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture – Dairy Administration.  He came to Saint John in 1968 and spent many rewarding years building his career at Baxter Dairies, eventually transitioning to launch the Coast Tire brand. His post secondary education started at Nova Scotia Agricultural College and in 2011, in recognition of his contributions to the dairy industry in the Maritimes, he was awarded the NSAC Distinguished Alumni of the Year. 

Never one to be idle for long, Archie enjoyed a number of new adventures in his retirement.  He spent many hours on his Kubota tractor, working his woodlot, gardening, and turning bowls. He and his wife volunteered with SOWER RV Ministries for over 10 years in the winter months. He was very involved in many capacities at both True Life Church (Rothesay Baptist Church) and Erb’s Cove Baptist Church. 

All these accomplishments aside, Archie’s greatest legacy is the lives that he touched in all the activities he was involved with; in particular the wide circle of friends and family that were so very fortunate to know him.  His family was very near and dear to his heart and he enjoyed his retirement all the more for the additional time it afforded him to spend time with his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Home (506-832-5541). A public visitation will take place from Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home (152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis, NB) on Friday, October 15^th, 2021, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. A Funeral Service will be held from True Life Church (30 Vincent Road, Quispamsis, NB) on Saturday, October 16^th, 2021 at 1:00pm with an interment to follow at Erb’s Cove Baptist Church Cemetery in Erb’s Cove, NB.

Donations in honour of Archie may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick, The Give Campaign, or a charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through ReidsFH.com