J. Wallace "Wally" Cook

JOHN WALLACE (WALLY) COOK

1926-2025

In the Almonte General Hospital, four days shy of his 99th birthday.

Born in Collingwood September 22, 1926 the only child of John & Flora Cook, Wally celebrated his 73rd wedding anniversary with his cherished wife Mary on June 7th of this year.

Devoted father of Richard (Linda) Cook of Malaysia, Mary Jane (Murdoch) Matheson of Kingston, and Melinda (Bernard) Merkley of Carleton Place. Much loved Grandfather of Brock, Alexandra, Ian, Katie, and Shamus. Great grandfather of Roman, Lachlan, Maverick & Flora.

Wally owned and operated Cook’s Department Store in Carleton Place for close to 40 years. Wally was a Canadian champion athlete – excelling in track, badminton and skiing. He served on the Carleton Place town council and co-chaired the Industrial Commission which was responsible for the development of the present-day Industrial Park.

Wally, keenly interested in education, has donated the Biology Award at the Carleton Place High School for more than 50 years. He dedicated many years, serving as Chair for the Lanark County chapter of the Canadian Cancer Society.  Always concerned about his local community, Wally helped sponsor the Red Cross Swimming Program in Carleton Place and through fashion shows sponsored by Cook’s store, he donated funds towards the establishment of community services such as the local arena.

Wally also served as Clerk of Session for St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Carleton Place and was a member of the session for St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Ottawa. This year Wally was honored by the Carleton Place Legion and recognized as the branch's oldest member, receiving honorary membership.

The family wishes to send heartfelt thanks to Dr. Jennifer Laskey for her years of dedicated care, and to Dr. Laura Santos of Almonte who tended to Wally during his final days.

Wally will be buried at the First Presbyterian Cemetery in Collingwood. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Capt. A. Roy Brown Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in Carleton Place to which the public is cordially invited to attend on Saturday, October 4th from 1pm to 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Capt. A. Roy Brown Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in Wally’s name.

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