Obituary of Wallace Martin Cook

Mr. Wallace Martin Cook was born in Hamilton, ON on September 24, 1928; he was the son of the late Wallace and Rose (Martin) Cook. At the age of 14, he left home and traveled around working odd jobs and seeing all he could. In 1952, he went to Korea and served with the Little Black Devils and Winnipeg Rifles; receiving several awards, certificates and medals for his service. In 1957, he met the love of his life, Audrey Gulliver and after a very short courtship of only 10 days, they knew their love story would only blossom from there and they were wed. They spent the next 59 years of their lives carving their names on each other's hearts. In 1958, they welcomed their son, Martin, soon followed by their daughter, Cindy Anne in 1963 and now their family was complete. In 1984, Wally graduated from New Brunswick Community College with a certificate in painting and drawing and then from the Rondo School in 1993 with a certificate in sculpturing. He always strived to master everything. For a few years he even owned his own art company called Shanty Art. Wally worked as an electrician, but was a jack of all trades. On any given day, you never knew what you would find him doing. It could be anything from tinkering, painting, storytelling or cooking. Rest assured though, there was always a block of wood near by for his carving. Wally and Audrey loved to travel together, whether it was driving across Canada and back enjoying all the sights or visiting places like Florida, Cuba, Hawaii, France and Alaska. While touring Canada, they especially enjoyed Red Deer and the Yukon. He loved anything that involved the ocean; the salt, the waves or the sea breeze, collecting shells, digging clams or boating. Wally was a great husband, father, provider and inspiration. He was a very proud veteran, but first and foremost, he was a family man. He adored his family and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was so welcoming to everyone, embracing Johnny, Diana and his grandchildren's friends as if they had been his own from the start. He always thought of others, wanting to do anything he could and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. For 17 years, he and Audrey would dress up like Santa and Mrs. Clause to visit special needs children, nursing homes, hospitals and the legion to bring just a touch of joy and light to others lives. Wally was a wonderful man and will be truly missed by all of the people whose lives he touched. Wally will live on in the hearts of his loving wife of 59 years, Audrey (Gulliver) Cook; his daughter, Cindy Cook and Johnny Sprott of Sussex; his son, Martin Cook and Diana Briggs of Millstream; his grandchildren: Codi-Jo Cook and Ryan Rector of Salisbury, Jesse and his wife Noami of France, Brandon and Jill of Moncton and Luke and Keisha of Sussex and by his great grandchildren: Jaidon, Denver and Adam. Mr. Wallace Martin Cook of Plumweseep, passed away at the Sussex Health Centre on May 29, 2016 at the age of 87. He is predeceased by his grandson, Alex who passed away in 2007. Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, (506-433-1176). A service celebrating Wally's life will be held from Evergreen Memorial Park, Aiton Rd on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at 3:00pm. The Royal Canadian Legion Sussex Branch #20 will hold a tribute immediately following the service. If you are considering making a memorial donation the family has recommended the Michael J. Fox Foundation (Parkinson's Foundation of Canada) ~ A carver of wood and A carver of souls ~ www.wallacefuneralhome.com