With sadness and gratitude, we announce the passing of John Wayne Cook. John died peacefully, surrounded by his family in Magrath on January 21, 2024, from complications from brain bleeds. He was 83 years of age.
He was born Dec. 20, 1940 in Lethbridge, Alberta to Fern and Norm Cook and his 6 siblings. He married Myrna James on March 21, 1959. They were the proud parents of 6 children: Kristine Alston Bly, Lana (Craig) Hansen, Shannon (Brad) Sabey, John Joe (Leanne) Cook, Elaina (Randy) Olsen, and Jennifer (Tim) Sabey. He was immensely proud of his 26 grandchildren and 41 great grandchildren.
John worked in the day to support his real passion of farming. He loved being a two-bit farmer on their beloved Cook Quarters. He had a love for cows and horses, but his true devotion was to his family. This extended beyond his immediate family to include a huge extended family. He was a man of action more than words and he loved to help you grow your own talents and interests by providing opportunities, adventures, and work experiences. He wanted the farm to be a special place for anyone who came to visit. He succeeded!
For the most part, John and Myrna built their family in the town of Magrath. Building was a major theme of Dad’s life. He was a natural builder and had a remarkable, creative mind. He started his early work life at the Magrath Cannery and then on to Tanco. In 1970 he graduated from SAIT as a journeyman carpenter. He was the site superintendent for many buildings including churches, schools, hotels, Coaldale hospital, Cardston courthouse and Police Station, the Waterton Fire Hall, the Cardston and Magrath Stake Centers, the Val Matteotti Gymnasium and many more. He was proud of his buildings, and they are scattered all over Southern Alberta. He had a deep respect for the work of others. In his eyes, a floor sweeper, plumber, electrician, or doctor all had the same value. He also deeply valued the hard work put in by employees to earn money to provide for their families.
He and Myrna started young and worked hard to raise their family. He also very much believed in having some fun too. He bought a boat instead of a second coat of stucco for their first house he built in Magrath. No one regretted that. Wonderful summer days enjoyed at Jensen’s Dam are a waterski tradition that still carries on. He liked to camp, hike, and snow ski but mostly liked to watch and cheer on his children and grandchildren in all their activities and all their sporting events including family softball.
He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and Myrna served as ordinance workers in the Cardston Temple for 10 years. They also answered a call to serve as missionaries at the Sixth Crossing in Wyoming which they both thoroughly enjoyed. His faith grew quietly inside him throughout his life and was felt by many, especially in times of trial.
He will be dearly missed by his siblings and their families Norma (Burt Zobell deceased), Mart deceased (Pat) Cook, Floyd (Helen) Cook, Donna (Art Heninger), Keith (Ann) Cook, as well as Myrna's siblings and their families Sandra (Varge Landy) both deceased, Karen (Walt Nykyforuk -deceased), and Durant James.
We are so grateful for the kindness shown to him from home care nurses and the wonderful staff at the cottage at Garden Vista who cared for him his last 13 days. We will all miss this great man, a builder of buildings, family, and faith.
Friends may meet the Family at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Magrath Stake Center (21 East 1 Ave S) on Sunday, January 28, from 7:00 – 8:00 pm. A Graveside service will be held on Monday, January 29 at 1:00 pm at the Magrath Cemetery. The Funeral Service will follow at 2:00 pm at the Magrath Stake Center and friends may meet the family following the service from 3:00 – 3:45 pm.
He was born Dec. 20, 1940 in Lethbridge, Alberta to Fern and Norm Cook and his 6 siblings. He married Myrna James on March 21, 1959. They were the proud parents of 6 children: Kristine Alston Bly, Lana (Craig) Hansen, Shannon (Brad) Sabey, John Joe (Leanne) Cook, Elaina (Randy) Olsen, and Jennifer (Tim) Sabey. He was immensely proud of his 26 grandchildren and 41 great grandchildren.
John worked in the day to support his real passion of farming. He loved being a two-bit farmer on their beloved Cook Quarters. He had a love for cows and horses, but his true devotion was to his family. This extended beyond his immediate family to include a huge extended family. He was a man of action more than words and he loved to help you grow your own talents and interests by providing opportunities, adventures, and work experiences. He wanted the farm to be a special place for anyone who came to visit. He succeeded!
For the most part, John and Myrna built their family in the town of Magrath. Building was a major theme of Dad’s life. He was a natural builder and had a remarkable, creative mind. He started his early work life at the Magrath Cannery and then on to Tanco. In 1970 he graduated from SAIT as a journeyman carpenter. He was the site superintendent for many buildings including churches, schools, hotels, Coaldale hospital, Cardston courthouse and Police Station, the Waterton Fire Hall, the Cardston and Magrath Stake Centers, the Val Matteotti Gymnasium and many more. He was proud of his buildings, and they are scattered all over Southern Alberta. He had a deep respect for the work of others. In his eyes, a floor sweeper, plumber, electrician, or doctor all had the same value. He also deeply valued the hard work put in by employees to earn money to provide for their families.
He and Myrna started young and worked hard to raise their family. He also very much believed in having some fun too. He bought a boat instead of a second coat of stucco for their first house he built in Magrath. No one regretted that. Wonderful summer days enjoyed at Jensen’s Dam are a waterski tradition that still carries on. He liked to camp, hike, and snow ski but mostly liked to watch and cheer on his children and grandchildren in all their activities and all their sporting events including family softball.
He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and Myrna served as ordinance workers in the Cardston Temple for 10 years. They also answered a call to serve as missionaries at the Sixth Crossing in Wyoming which they both thoroughly enjoyed. His faith grew quietly inside him throughout his life and was felt by many, especially in times of trial.
He will be dearly missed by his siblings and their families Norma (Burt Zobell deceased), Mart deceased (Pat) Cook, Floyd (Helen) Cook, Donna (Art Heninger), Keith (Ann) Cook, as well as Myrna's siblings and their families Sandra (Varge Landy) both deceased, Karen (Walt Nykyforuk -deceased), and Durant James.
We are so grateful for the kindness shown to him from home care nurses and the wonderful staff at the cottage at Garden Vista who cared for him his last 13 days. We will all miss this great man, a builder of buildings, family, and faith.
Friends may meet the Family at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Magrath Stake Center (21 East 1 Ave S) on Sunday, January 28, from 7:00 – 8:00 pm. A Graveside service will be held on Monday, January 29 at 1:00 pm at the Magrath Cemetery. The Funeral Service will follow at 2:00 pm at the Magrath Stake Center and friends may meet the family following the service from 3:00 – 3:45 pm.