William Arnold (Bill) “Bopa” Cooke
In loving memory of William Arnold (Bill) “Bopa” Cooke who passed away April 22, 2016 at the age of 68. Bill is survived by his wife of 47 years Trish, whom he had known since grade 4, his daughters; Jaime Austin (Ryan Engelbrecht) and Heidi Warren (Sean), of whom he was so proud, his siblings; Carol Ann (Henry Romppai), Rosemary (Bob Lysak), Wendy and Dan (Althea Townes) as well as many nieces and nephews. Bill had a special pride in his grandchildren; Danny Austin, Andrew Austin and Emma Warren. Bill also found great enjoyment in all of his step grandchildren; Gavin Engelbrecht, Chase Engelbrecht, Katie Engelbrecht, Skylar Warren, Derek Engelbrecht, Trey Engelbrecht and Aysha Turpin.
Aside from his grandchildren, flying was his passion. He received his private license on December 24, 1970 and went on to earn his Commercial License,Instrument and Multi Engine Ratings in 1975. He continued to fly for over 30 years. Bill was happiest in the left seat of a Standard Beaver or fighting fires with Hicks and Lawrence. He was an avid hunter from his early childhood and became a top marksman very quickly. Many happy hours were spent with his family partridge hunting in the area and teaching his daughters to shoot. He had just started instructing his grandsons. Bill was an amazing cabinet maker and craftsman being a perfectionist in everything he did. He spent many hours in his shop, aka “Bopa’s Fixin Shop”, building treasures for the grandkids and helping them create. Bill was extremely proud of his heritage, coming from a long line of Cooke’s who arrived in Port Arthur, Ontario in 1873.
Bill was predeceased by his parents Arnold and Vera, his in-laws Martin and Eileen Donnelly and step-grandson Aaron Thrones.
There will be no visitation, as cremation has taken place.
A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday June 1, 2016 at 12 p.m. at the Dryden Community Funeral Home’s Chapel, with Father Luigi Phillipini officiating.
Interment of ashes will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Second Chance Pet Network through the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, Ontario, P8N 2X3.
Expressions of sympathy can be emailed to dcfh@drytel.net subject heading: Cooke