TERRY COOK

COOK, Terry
June 6, 1947 - May 12, 2014
Friend to all, mentor to many, author, editor, impassioned correspondent, advocate of just causes, co-dog-walker of Clifford the big white doodle, smartest guy in the room.
Terry was a world-renowned intellectual in the field of archival studies, whose ideas transformed archives from being perceived merely as storehouses of old records to sites of national memory worthy of scholarly attention. As Verne Harris, Director, Research and Archive, at the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory in South Africa, recently wrote, Terry was "pre-eminently amongst the giants of current archival discourses". After more than two decades with the National Archives of Canada, he accepted a post as Associate and Visiting Professor in the Archival Studies Program at the University of Manitoba in 2000. In 2010, Terry was elected to the Royal Society of Canada, the highest distinction that one can receive as a scholar in Canada; he was the first person to be elected to the RSC for scholarship in the field of archival studies.
Terry was a great collector – of books, glassware, fine art, and kitschy knickknacks from around the world. Otherwise, Terry broke every aspect of the stereotype of an archivist and serious intellectual figure. He never grew out of his love for playing friendly pranks, driving motorcycles, swilling Coca Cola, and, above all, enjoying rock music. His love for and encyclopedic knowledge of all things rock and roll was legendary. He was a lifelong fan of 'The King' (Elvis) - who he joked (we think) lived on after his 'disappearance'. His music collection, numbering in the thousands of singles, albums, and CDs, covered seven decades of rock music and educated several generations of kids on Hubbard Crescent.
Terry was the much-loved partner for 45 years of Sharon Anne Cook, and the adored father of Tim (Sarah) and Graham. There was nothing he was more proud of than his two accomplished, kind and generous sons. He was known as the "Chief Troll" at Manor Park School playground by his triumvirate of perfect grandgirlies: Chloe (rule-maker), Emma (rule modifier) and Paige (First Assistant Troll). Having lost his parents and brother early in life, Sharon's family became his own. He was always grateful to have been so fully embraced by the Killins clan. Terry was skilled in the art of tickling dogs, and delighted in leading the much-beloved first family dog - who was named after George R. Parkin, the subject of Terry's very serious doctoral thesis - in howling sessions after dinner. Terry was just as playful with and close to the second family dog, Clifford, who was with Terry to the end.
Terry was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year. Many friends, neighbours, colleagues, and family have loyally walked with Terry through this final life passage. There are too many to name individually, but collectively their friendship, strength, and good cheer helped Terry and his family along this long and difficult road. The family wishes especially to thank Dr. Zhu and the dedicated staff of 5 East at the Ottawa General Hospital.
Visitation on Sunday, May 18, at 2 - 4 p.m. and 7 - 9 p.m., and Memorial Service on Monday, May 19, at 2 p.m., at Hulse, Playfair and McGarry, 315 McLeod St, Ottawa. Donations can be made to the Ottawa Humane Society.