TIMOTHY RALEIGH BROWN COOK

Timothy Raleigh Brown Cook, C.M., F.R.S.C., Ph.D. (November 10, 1971 – October 25, 2025) Tim Cook was no stranger to battles. He researched and wrote about them endlessly, but he also faced his own. Tim was optimistic, fatalistic, realistic and stoic all rolled in together. He never let adversity weigh him down and would continue to push forward, to keep living his life, to keep reading, researching and pounding away at his keyboard, sharing his passion for history with the world. He was the funniest person, constantly cracking jokes, and setting them up beautifully. Tim carried the room in conversations, could navigate any kind of event, effortlessly connecting with others. He showed great humility, loyalty and an easy-going nature with his many longtime friends. He was eager to share his love of hockey, reading, Star Wars and music. He coined many a Tim-ism that his family will remember forever: secret missions, double digits, straight up Charlie, Daddy sandwiches, and "Are we winning?" While he was an award-winning author and historian, he was also the best father, husband, brother, son, and friend. Tim prioritized his daughters above everything else, which was no easy feat given how prolific he was in his writing career. When asked for his secret, he would often joke that he had enlisted the girls or had a team of typists working away in the basement. But the secret to his success was his discipline, his absolute love of writing, and the balance provided by having such an active and close family. There was always time to craft that sentence, edit that paragraph, help coach hockey, watch that TV show or have that conversation. He never wasted a moment. Tim was truly loved, and his absence will be felt profoundly. He is survived by his wife, Sarah; daughters, Chloe, Emma and Paige; and his dog, Bear. He is also survived by his mother, Sharon; brother, Graham (Ankai); along with his mother-in-law, Jennifer; sister-in-law, Samantha (Graham); nieces, nephew, uncle, aunts, cousins, and his many close friends and colleagues. Tim would often conclude his book talks imploring Canadians to care about their history and to keep telling and reading our stories. He might also cheekily add that they could buy his latest book. Tim has left a legacy of deeply researched yet accessibly written books on Canadian military history. Pick up one of his books from your local bookstore if you can - and keep reading, sharing and supporting Canadian history. A private Celebration of Life will be held for friends and family at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services. Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Canadian Blood Services.