Donald Cooke, late of Goodwater, passed away peacefully on Monday April 1, 2013 at the age of 81. Don was born April 6, 1931 to Gordon and Florence Cooke. He was born on the Roy Cooke farm and then moved to the homestead and resided there until his passing. The homestead received the Century Old Farm designation this year. In his youth, Don enjoyed attending Patricia School. He liked it so much that he later purchased the building and moved it to his homestead where it currently remains. In 1948 Don attended the Saskatchewan Institute of Technology in Moose Jaw. He received his Welding Certificate and training in Motor Mechanics. On November 11, 1951 Don married the love of his life, Joan Sorsdahl. He and his dad continued farming the homestead until Gordon's passing. After that time Don and Joan decided to sell the cattle. They then took pleasure in travelling extensively throughout Canada, the U.S.A. and England. At the age of 65, Don strived to obtain his pilots license. He proudly succeeded in this endeavor, including a night endorsement; the instructor commented that Don was his oldest pupil. Eventually Don and Joan purchased a mobile home in Apache Junction, Arizona. They spent every winter there until Joan's passing in 2008. Don continued to spend the winter in Arizona until 2010. In the fall of 2011, Don went on an Alaskan Cruise with his sons, one daughter and his sister. Don is predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Joan Cooke; parents, Gordon and Florence Cooke; granddaughter, Karen Elizabeth Cooke; brothers-in-law, Walter Restau and Sid McKinnon. Don will be lovingly remembered by his children, Donna (Paul) Durant of Goodwater, Gary (Jacqlyn) Cooke of Saskatoon, Lee (Bruce) Leslie of Goodwater, and Neil Cooke of Calgary, AB; grandchildren, Jennifer (Keith) Halfyard, James (Jodi) Durant, Liza (Jason) Van de Water, Andrew (Kristen) Durant, Keith (Saba) Cooke, Rebecca (Ryan) McLeod, Jessica Leslie, Derek Leslie and Morgan Cooke; 13 great grandchildren; brother, Verne (Melva) Cooke; sister, Maxine McKinnon; sisters-in-law, Marlyn Restau and Sharon (Mel) Eggum as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. A funeral service was held Saturday, April 6 from Grace United Church, Weyburn, with Reverend M. Barnabas officiating. Interment took place at Goodwater Cemetery, Goodwater. Pallbearers were, Troy Eggum, Dean McKinnon, James Durant, Andrew Durant, Derek Leslie, and Keith Cooke. Honorary Pallbeares were, Ted Rinas, Max White, and Ernie Gadd. Donations in memory of Don may be made to the Children's Wish Foundation, or the Grace United Church, Weyburn. Condolences may be left at: www.fletcherfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels, Weyburn, 306-842-5432
