Cooke
Ron was born on May 11, 1945 to Bill and Avis Cooke in Lloydminster, Sk. He went to school until Grade 11. He played school basketball and volleyball and as a teenager, he played baseball, as the catcher.
He then went and worked road construction in the summer.
In the fall he worked for Rayson and James Trucking of Paradise Valley, Alta.
Ron took his training in Hughenden, Alta. to become an agent for the Alberta Wheat Pool.
Ron (20) and Duffy (17) who was the love of his life, were married on Aug. 27, 1965. This would have been their 54th wedding anniversary.
They moved to Hughenden after they were married until 1967, when Ron was transferred to Borradaile, Alta. where he was the Alberta Wheat Pool agent for four years.
Melody Ann was born in 1968 in Vermilion, Alta.
Bryce Wade was born in 1970, also in Vermilion to complete the family.
Ron and family transferred to Castor on Aug. 27, 1971 to be the agent at the Alberta Wheat Pool where he worked until 1975.
Ron then worked for Guy Wiart at Magnet Foods as a meat cutter. then janitor at Gus Wetter School for seven years.
He also worked at the Esso Service Station as manager for three years, was an Insurance Agent for Co-operators Insurance and worked for Keith and Donnie Turner at Bumper to Bumper.
He also drove truck for Dove Transport – Bob and Greg Frank and for Harold Raher in his spare time. Ron went to work for Filipenko Brothers Construction, Dennis and Larry Filipenko and Philip Pals for 30 years until his retirement.
Ron was a member of the Castor Flying Club, Castor Fish and Game, the Huber Dam Society, the Castor Gun Club and was on the fire department many years ago.
He drove ambulance for Eric Sharpe when it was privately owned.
He also lent a hand when any other club needed help.
Ron emceed the Castor Figure Skating Carnival for many years; and also emceed the Men’s Recreation Supper for 30 plus years.
Ron was the announcer for the Men’s Senior Hockey teams for approximately 24 years which included his famous line “It’s 50/50 time.”
Ron played many years of curling, baseball, softball, oldtimers hockey and occasionally a golf game. For 25 years, Ron taught many youth hunter education classes.
He also coached many years of baseball and hockey for Castor Minor Sports.
Ron and Duffy spent countless hours at the arena and on the road watching Chase, Carter and Kelsey play hockey.
After the grandkids were done playing minor hockey they were still seen in the arena “getting their hockey fix.”
Many hours were spent goose hunting with Bryce, Chase, Carter and Kelsey.
Ron loved to hunt and fish. He did an annual moose hunt near Edson from 1983 – 2013 in which he hunted with many friends.
Ron and Duffy and family fished many lakes and had a lot at Marie Lake for 19 summers.
Many fishing stories were told. Ron especially liked the annual men’s fishing trip to Marie Lake, which usually included eight to 10 men.
Ron spent countless hours fishing with Duffy, Bryce, Chase, Carter, Kelsey and Gunner.
Mel would occasionally go fishing.
Ron loved to play crib at the lake with Mom, Pearl, Dave, Bryce, Carter and anyone else who would have a go.
He also played crib with Cliff at C.J.’s Canteen daily. He played bridge with the Men’s and Ladies Club in the winter.
He had a great laugh, sense of humour and a story for anyone who would listen.
Ron passed away on April 23, 2019 at Castor, Alta.
Funeral services were held on May 4, 2019 at the Castor Community Hall, with long time friend, Vern Hein officiating.
Tributes were given by Wendy Miller, Cliff Campbell and Carol Coleman did readings.
A pictorial tribute was given by his loving family.
Honorary pallbearers were Jane and Jerry Slemp, Linda and Tom Cabana, Pearl and Maunsel Bowers, Lorette and John Bowers, Andy Wong, Eileen and Bob Frank, Tina and Jeff Ensign, C.J. coffee crew and all the members of the Bridge Club.
Ron was laid to rest in the Castor Cemetery.
Family and friends gathered in the hall for a time of sharing memories and a luncheon prepared by Michelle Bruem and her staff.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.parkviewfuneralchapel.
Memorial donations may be made in Ron’s name to Castor Minor Sports.
Parkview Funeral Chapels & Crematorium entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. 403-882-3141.
Card of Thanks
The family of Ron Cooke would like to thank Dr. Hanton, nurses and staff of Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital for the excellent care.
To Home Care for the wonderful care he also received, to Coronation RCMP, East Central Ambulance and Castor Fire Department for all you do.
Thank you to Dean, Verna and the staff of Parkview Funeral Chapels for your care and compassion.
Thank you to everyone who sent food, flowers and phone calls, text messages, Facebook messages and other condolences.
The community of Castor and surrounding area have overwhelmed us all with your support at this difficult time.
Duffy, Mel, Bryce, Denise, Chase, Carter and Kelsey
