COOK, Milton Hunsley

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Milton Hunsley Cook, 96, passed away peacefully at home on April 4, 2026. After sharing over 68 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved late wife, Kathleen, he leaves behind a legacy as a devoted husband and a proud, deeply loved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Milton was also a cherished brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.

Born on October 25, 1929, in Dodsland, Saskatchewan, to Sarah and William Cook, Milton was raised alongside his thirteen siblings—first on a farm near Driver, Saskatchewan, and later honing his work ethic in the orchards of the Similkameen Valley in British Columbia. These early years shaped the resilience, drive, and determination that defined his life.

In 1952, Milton married Kathleen Manery in Cawston, BC, and together they built a life centered on family, partnership, and shared purpose, raising three children: Rod, Daphne, and Gord. Throughout his early adult years, he was involved in his children’s many activities, such as Cub Scouts, baseball, horsemanship, water sports, and skiing.

Milton pursued numerous entrepreneurial and construction ventures, including a concrete block business, an auto repair garage, several real estate developments, mining ventures, manufactured home dealerships in BC and Alberta, and notably, the first Volkswagen dealership in the interior of British Columbia.

With Kathleen as his steadfast partner, Milton approached every endeavor with tireless dedication and vision, ultimately allowing him to semi-retire in his fifties. In the years that followed, Milton continued to live with purpose and generosity. He found great joy in traveling, volunteering, building homes, and lending his skills and wisdom to family and friends. Whether assisting with renovations, teaching the next generation of mechanics, tackling building projects, clearing trees, or offering thoughtful business and life advice, Milton was always present for those he loved. His enduring interest in business and politics led to many meaningful experiences, most of which he enjoyed with Kathleen by his side.

Milton’s integrity and remarkable spirit were evident to all who knew him. He carried an indomitable disposition and a lovely sense of humour throughout his life, and maintained this grace until the end. He loved to engage in a bit of good-natured roughhousing, and was never one to turn down a gentle “boxing match” moment. His warmth, strength, generosity, and unwavering love leave a lasting legacy that will continue to live on in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known him.

He will be deeply missed by his children and their spouses: Rodney and Leanne Cook, Daphne and Richard Clegg, and Gordon and Cathy Cook; his eight grandchildren and their partners: Julie Cook, Dan Clegg (Kara), Sarah Collins (Tyler), Melissa Cook (Steve), Steve Clegg (Marla), Alex Cook (Dominique), Eric Clegg (Devon), and Bruce Cook (Pam); and his eight great-grandchildren: Elizabeth, Arli, Kipton, Reece, Hoyt, Dawson, Tanner, and Heeu. He is also lovingly remembered by his siblings and many members of the extended Cook and Manery families.

Guided by faith, Milton has now gone to his eternal home, reunited with his beloved Kathleen, his parents, family members, and friends who went before him.

Milton’s family is deeply grateful to his daughter-in-law, Leanne Cook, for the countless hours she devoted to his care, and for coordinating his support and ensuring his comfort. They also wish to thank those who tended to his needs with tremendous compassion, especially Tamilee Finley, whose devotion to both Kathleen and Milton in their final years went far beyond expectation. Her exceptional presence in Milton’s final months was a profound gift to him and to his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to CRIS Adaptive Adventures, www.adaptiveadventures.ca.

A service will be announced at a later date.

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