John F. Cooke, a world traveler who lived in Whiting, passed away on the morning of Friday, July 31, listening to reggae at Helen Porter Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Middlebury. He was recently on vacation in Negril, Jamaica, a place he loved. Negril and his cottage in Prince Edward Island were his homes away from home.
John Cooke was born on Oct. 17, 1938, to Walter and Victoria (Kablick) Cooke. He grew up in Hartford, Connecticut, and served in the Air Force after graduating high school. He traveled around the country from California to Colorado to Connecticut as a technical writer for Martin Marietta. He skied around Europe. Then in 1971, he moved to Killington to enjoy the ski culture and worked many jobs over the years on and off the slopes. He was a postal worker in Essex Junction until his retirement. On Aug. 1, 1987, after 10 years together, he married Carol, the love of his life, in New Hampshire, with an Aug. 15 celebration at home in their beloved garden. He loved to play cribbage, enjoy a cold beverage, and spend time in nature. He was a free spirit, funny and gentle, and children were enchanted by his playfulness and long beard. He was a man of many talents.
Cooke is survived by his wife, Carol Isabelle Cooke, and his cat, Jewel. He is predeceased by his parents and his brother Don Cooke.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at alzfdn.org. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.
