Obituary of Henry St Clair Cook

It is with great sadness, the family of Henry “Harry” St Clair Cook announces his passing on Saturday, March 22, 2025. He was able to celebrate his 96th just ten days prior with family and friends in attendance.

Born in Bridgewater on March 12, 1929, he was a son of the late Ralph Schrader and Olive Boyse  (McInnis) Cook.

Harry as everyone called him will be lovingly remembered as a hard working, community and family minded gentleman. He graduated from Bridgewater High School in 1946 and then joined the family business Cook’s Oil Company founded by his father Ralph Cook in 1947 (incorporated in 1966). While working in the family business, he became an avid volunteer in the community and a citizen soldier joining the West Nova Scotia Regiment and attaining the rank of Sergeant. 

Harry was elected to Bridgewater Town Council in 1973 and in 1976 was elected as Mayor and served in this position until 1988. While Mayor of Bridgwater, he served on various committees and commissions including the Bridgewater Police Commission. He also served as the president of the Nova Scotia Municipalities from 1982 to 1983. One of his fondest memories as Mayor was the Royal Visit of Princess Diana and Prince Charles.

He also was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Shriner’s Club, Kinsmen/K-40 Club and member of the local Masonic Lodge. Along with this he found time to golf for many years and organized golf tournaments to raise money for Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. 

While active in the community he always found time for family. There are many fond memories of family and friends at Fancy’s Lake in the summer and the rustic Cabin at Round Lake. 

Surviving are his son Charles (Valerie) Cook, Green Bay; daughter Tina (Donnie) Blinn, Bridgewater; step daughter Donna (Pierre) Pagé, Austria; grandchildren, Craig Cook, Ottawa; Ryan Cook (Stephanie), Bridgewater; Lauren (Aleš) Pagé, London, UK; Matthew Blinn, Bridgewater; Nicole (Rob) Blinn, Lawrencetown, Halifax Co.; Laura Blinn, Halifax; Anna Cook and Connie Cook, both of Green Bay; great grandchildren, Camilla Cook, Bridgewater; Tyler (Cook) Keizer Halifax; andmany nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife, Connie (Williams) Cook; second wife, Thelma (Doyle) Cook; son, Brian and daughter in-law Patricia (Murray) Cook ; sisters, Elizabeth Oickle and Shirley Jamieson.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, March 25, in Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 35 York Street, Bridgewater. Service of Celebration will be held 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Bridgewater United Church, 87 Hillcrest Street, Bridgewater, with Rev. Neil McEwen officiating. Private family interment will follow in Brookside Cemetery, Bridgewater. Family flowers only please, donations may be made to the Palliative Care Services of the South Shore, Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 24, Bridgewater or a charity of choice. Arrangement in trust to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater, where on-line condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.

The Service will be live-streamed by Bridgewater United Church. You can join virtually by following the following link:

Livestream from Bridgewater United Church