Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1939
DIED
2021
William Cook Obituary
and all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrance" - William Shakespeare
Bill had his final curtain call on Nov.18th with his loving wife Lucy (nee Whitehouse) by his side. Bill was a loving father to Geoffrey (Bob), Jason (Tokio) and loving brother to David. Bill's teaching career began in 1961 at Vincent Massey School and in the end, he found himself right at home for 17 years teaching English/Drama at Hill Park Secondary. As a devoted teacher, he gave his students a creative space to discover themselves. In '89 Bill was given the Walter Clarke Outstanding Teacher Award. Bill's passion for theatre influenced everything he did. He will be remembered for directing countless musicals at Hill Park and arranging legendary school theatre trips to NYC and London, UK. Beyond teaching, Bill directed the musical singing group 'Showstoppers', ran the theatre school 'Dynamic Arts' and was involved in many charities and community service. His life was enriched by lifelong friendships, incl. his cousins Margaret, Martha, Audrey and Jean, the "21st Street Gang", Scottish Country Dancers and friends in Muskoka. The family thanks their neighbours in Stoney Creek for their incredibly kind support and the staff at St. Peter's Hospital (Lincoln Terrace) for the quality of care for Bill and Lucy. Bill was a lover of all animals. If you wish to make a donation in his name, please consider: Ladybird Animal Sanctuary: www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/william-cook/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Cook
33 Entries
Peter Snow
December 3, 2021
Bill was a huge part of my life growing up as a student at Dynamic Arts and as one of the second group of Showstoppers. He had a huge influence on me and I will always treasure the many years we spent working on shows in the Tim Hortons basement. Condolences.
Don Lee (Former student at Scott Park - 1974-1978-Toronto, ON)
December 1, 2021
My sympathy to the family - There are good teachers and great teachers - Mr. Cook was definitely a great teacher and a great person. From my time at Scott Park HS (1974-1978), Mr. Cook had a big impact on my life. Being one of the 1st Asian "kids" in the neighbourhood, you showed me how to stand tall and be proud of who you are. Your words resonate in my head to this very day.
From directing Bye-Bye Birdie to Tom Sawyer, he brought and introduced musicals to me. This led me to the life, love and appreciation of music.
I can kick myself for not attending the reunion as it would have given me the opportunity to say "thank you, Mr. Cook - you were my inspiration and I admire you and your passion for the arts".
Mr. Cook made my time at Scott Park HS a special and most memorable part of my life.
Always remembered and never forgotten.
Jack and Chris Packer
December 1, 2021
Sending our deepest sympathy to you Lucy, Geoff and Jason. We heard just yesterday of Bill´s passing. Our thoughts are with you all. Sincerely, Jack and
Chris
Michelle (nee Robinson) Moll
November 29, 2021
Why is my heart suddenly broken into pieces? Why am I devastated to hear this news?
Throughout our lives there are people who touch us in a way that it shapes who we become, how we feel about ourselves, how we view the world. For me, this man was the first person to do that to me. At a time in my life, during high school, Bill Cook was my mentor and teacher. But he was more than that. So very much more.
Bill introduced me to drama and theatre arts. He gave me a purpose for coming to school, and encouraged me to do more with my life than what I had been planning to do. During a time when I was being made to feel that everything about me was wrong, Bill made me feel like I could do anything and everything about me was right.
By the time I left Hill Park, Bill Cook had become my friend. He invited me back a few times to help with some of his productions, and to just give me a boost and a few words of encouragement. But then our lives went in separate paths, and I didn't see Bill for decades. Then a very brief re-connecting at a High School reunion about 12 years ago renewed my spirit at a time I needed it most.
My mother passed on about 2.5 years ago now. While I was cleaning out her house and going through her things, I found a note. A very old note. It was addressed to my parents. It is a note that was never shared with me at the time. It was a note from Bill Cook to my parents. Telling them that they were blessed to have me for a daughter, and listing what he felt were my strengths. He encouraged them to stand behind me and support me in anything I wanted to do, saying that he saw great potential in me.
I never knew what it was that changed my parents' stance on me going to University. Something they had said was a waste of my time and money up until the end of my 12th year of school. I think I know now what it was. It was Bill Cook taking the time to pen that note. A note my parents kept and cherished for 40 years.
This was Bill Cook. A giant of a man. A kind, considerate, energetic, funny and caring human being. More than anyone in my life, this was my teacher.
The world just got a bit dimmer today Bill. May your family know of the blessings you shared with the world, and the impact you have had on many.
How you can show support
Barbara Fisher
November 29, 2021
Lucy, Geoff and Jason, I am so sorry for you loss. Bill changed so many things in my life when I first entered high school and found theatre. Bill was a special person and I'm so glad our paths crossed for as long as they did. He had an amazing sense of fun and brought that out in all who knew him. Again I'm sorry for your loss he will be missed.
John McGowan
November 28, 2021
Bill was my first acting teacher at Dynamic Arts. He built my creativity and confidence in some of the most essential experiences I had in my childhood. I now live in New York and have worked with top industry professionals in entertainment. Bill was an essential mentor to a young, shy, only child who set me on a lifelong path to follow my goals. I am so grateful to him. A true teacher in every way. Wishes of comfort to his family. What a life he led!
Trish and Ron Fulton
November 28, 2021
To Lucy and the boys. Our deepest condolences on Bill's passing. He was one of a kind in and out of the classroom. Students would walk on water for him!
A fun guy who did not suffer fools quietly. He will be missed
Cindy Breau (nee Frackers)
November 28, 2021
Dear Mrs Cook, Jason and Geoffrey, I am so very sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences. If you have an opportunity to view Facebook, a lot of us shared stories and memories of Bill Cook. I hope you find comfort in knowing he was loved by many and will never be forgotten by anyone. He made such a positive impact in so many peoples lives. Along with you Mrs Cook, there are some teachers in our lives we will always hold close to our hearts. You were that for me in middle school and I was lucky to have Mr. Cook in high school! Your boys are so blessed to be brought up by you both. Sending you my love and keeping you all in my prayers during this difficult time. xoxo
Sarah Harvie
November 28, 2021
I cherish my memories of Bill´s lessons and activities at Dynamic Arts. He saw potential in me and helped me build my confidence as a youngster to take on new challenges. He made an impact on many, and I´m lucky to count myself among them. Bill will be so missed.
Audrey Grant
November 28, 2021
Bill and I were about the same age and his mother and my father were sister and brother who liked to spend time with each other and their families.
I have so many amazing memories of growing up with "Billy." He was always full of fun and curiosity ... and always so positive. We kept our friendship going for many many years.
Billy and Lucy and Dave and I enjoyed vacations together. I loved hi very much and will miss him but will always remember him.
Leland Currie
November 28, 2021
Deepest sympathy to Lucy and the boys. I have many memories of working with Bill at Hill Park and for the many years we would share the local gossip in our occasional meetings at the Y. He was a great story teller, stage director, teacher, and friend. RIP Bill.
Lee
Patricia (Cumming) Milne
November 28, 2021
My sincere sympathy to you Lucy and family. I have many fond memories of Bill and you and evenings in you home way back in the early days. May he rest well.
Regan (Jenkins) Fiuza
November 28, 2021
Lucy, Geoff & Jason. Thank you for sharing Bill with us and allowing us all into your family. His influence on so many is his legacy. Student Council, Yearly musicals, fashions shows, theatre trips abroad and for myself - He influenced my son through his Dynamic Arts School. We were so lucky to have him guide us. Sending love to you now
Blair Briwn
November 28, 2021
Thanks Mr Cook
Blair Brown
November 28, 2021
Thanks so much. You let me just act all class... like a clown. Thanks Bill.
Rhonda and Jack Smith
November 28, 2021
Deepest Sympathy, our thoughts are with you.
Jan Jenkins
November 27, 2021
Your legacy lives on in so many of us Bill. You were one of a kind. Rest in peace
Lorraine Phillips
November 27, 2021
My deepest sympathies to the family. I attended Hill Park S.S. from 1979-1983. Mr. Cook always had a smile for everyone and put on some great shows! He will be missed by many Hill Park alumni.
Wendy Taylor
November 27, 2021
I was so fond of Bill. He was my drama and homeroom teacher at Prince of Wales for grade 7 & 8. I was in both of his musicals. Years later, Bill was my mentor to become a drama teacher. He was honest, blunt, intelligent, caring, and so much fun! His encouragement still lasts to this day. Thank you Bill Cook, you have indeed left your mark on the world.
Elia Jones(nee Bachetti)
November 27, 2021
You were an inspiration Mr. Cook. I always looked forward to seeing you! Loved our fashion shows at Hill Park and the countless musicals. Rest In Peace
Kelli Hills -Tokarz
November 27, 2021
There are teachers you remember vividly from high school, Mr Cook was one of them.
Exit stage left Sir....
"Break a leg"
My condolences to all
Cindy Lee
November 27, 2021
So much passion, energy, and sense of humour! Mr. Cook made my time at HP so memorable. My condolences to his family and friends.
pamela stanton
November 27, 2021
Mr. Cook was a great teacher.....i had him at vincent massey school and he always made learning fun......when i became a teacher i would always run into him at various events and he made sure his students knew that he taught me.....great man .........Pam (Arnold) Stanton
Anna (Leone) Ferrelli
November 27, 2021
You were a fun and fantastic teacher! You will be missed by many. Rest in peace Mr. Cook
Karen Gilruth
November 27, 2021
My Deepest Condolences to Mr Cooks Family! Drama classes wouldnt have been the same at Hill Park without him! RIP Sir
Jennifer Redbourne (nee Hyslop)
November 27, 2021
Sincere condolences to the family. I have many found memories of Bill and his time at Hill Park. He introduced me to musical theater and fashion shows. It has never left me. I have thought of him many times since high school and how he positively impacted so many students lives. He was a visionary and was not afraid of controversy. He used theater to teach, not only students but those in attendance. Case in point, tackling Big River at a point in time where racial relations were strained. May you rest in peace Bill.
Rob Campbell
November 27, 2021
To know Bill was a very special feeling. Bill always had a passion for teaching the arts to so many. I will never forget my role of set design. Being behind the lines of such amazing plays was so special. Lucy and Family thank you for sharing this amazing Man with so many!
David Parti
November 27, 2021
My deepest sympathies at such sad news.
Bill inspired me to explore a passion for performing throughout my time at Hill Park, spawning an appreciation of musical theatre that continues today.
My sincere condolences to the whole family.
David
Kevin Pauls
November 27, 2021
My sincerest condolences to Lucy and the entire family. Bill changed the course of my life while I was with him at Hill Park... he will always be thought of with warmth and laughter!!! Love you Bill! Lucy, thank you for always making us "kids" feel welcome into your home and your heart!
Ed Seibel
November 27, 2021
It saddens me to hear of Bill's passing. My deepest condolences to Lucy and family. Bill (and Lucy) had a huge impact on my life as a student at Hill Park, and as a young person. In many ways he was both a great friend and mentor and we got to share many fantastic experiences together. From student council, to the New York theatre trips, to the trip to Europe, Bill gave me opportunities I never would have had. Although we didn't have much contact in the past 20 years or so, I thought about these experiences with you and your family quite often. Rest in peace Bill. You were a awesome teacher and friend and you will be missed.
Peter Whyte
November 27, 2021
My heart felt condolences to The family of Bill . Bill was quite the character. He allowed me and other teachers to live our dream in participation in theatrical venues , as well as being involved in fashion shows . Rest in peace Bill .You made my 9 years at Hill Park a dream. Peter Whyte
Beverley Mitchell
November 27, 2021
I was lucky enough to join the staff at Hill Park and taught with Bill. He was an inspiration to all of us, students and teachers. He made learning fun. He encouraged the teachers to get involved with his many theatrical productions and the experience enriched all our lives.
Not only did he direct the many musicals but he produced some of the best fashion shows. We teachers had a wonderful time, and it was all because of Bill Cook. He was one of a kind!! A real treasure.
My hearty condolences to Lucy and family.
Bev Mitchell
Jen Dickens Salvo
November 27, 2021
All through the 90's Mr. Cook was one of the biggest influences in mine and my friends lives! I was his "little Dickens" and everyone knew it! My passion for drama, and the written word was fueled by Cooks! His fever for the stage and the glow from his smile will last a lifetime. In the 2000s my daughters were blessed to take classes from Bill. His legacy spread over generations. He will be truly missed.
Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results