John Herbert COOK

COOK, John (Jiggs) Herbert
architect, husband and lifelong best friend to Elaine, died July 31, 2000. Born May 12, 1924, Fort William (Thunder Bay), Ontario. While attending university he married Elaine Thomasine Bunney and graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Manitoba and received the Gold Medal for outstanding academic achievement. He began his career as an architect in Calgary, and in 1954 established J.H. Cook Architects and Engineers. He was a member of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, and in 1984 received the Governor General Award for Architecture, in recognition of the innovative design of the Nova Building in Calgary. Other Calgary landmarks attributed to Jiggs' unique ability to combine architectural beauty and engineered functionality include the Rockyview Hospital, the Trans Alta Building, The Calgary Public Library (now known as the W.R. Castell Central Library) and the Louise Riley Library. Although he had a crippled leg from childhood, Jiggs was an avid sportsman. He skied, rode horses, and was a keen golfer and sailor. Jiggs was a member of the Calgary Golf and Country Club and the Glencoe Club. He was well known for his dry wit and his inability to compromise on perfection. Jiggs was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 1992. In September 1997 he entered the Glenmore Park Care West Auxiliary Hospital. The family gives thanks to the staff of the Glenmore Auxiliary for their excellent care, and in particular would like to thank Allan Wong, Pat Sheveldayoff, Patty Bushell, caregivers Joyce Lamont and Angela Bane, and all the registered nurses and aides that attended to Jiggs during his stay there. He was predeceased by his parents Colonel H. Cook and Mrs. Mabel Cook of Thunder Bay, Ontario, and is survived by two brothers, Gerry P.R. Cook and Jim V.B. Cook of Thunder Bay, Ontario; five children: Kandis (Chris) Moyse of London, England; Susan (Anthony) Mirabella of Jamison, PA, USA; Judy (Andrew) Ross Skinner of Dorset, England; John (Barbara) Cook of Calgary; Mary Jane (Ken) Wetherell of Calgary; and 12 beloved grandchildren: Kate and Turner Moyse; Harrison Ross Skinner; Julia and Jessica Mirabella; James Cook; Myles, Thomasine, Chase, Jade, Lotte and Aura Wetherell. Funeral Services will be held at Christ Church Elbow Park (3602 8 Street SW) on Friday, August 4, 2000 at 4:00 p.m. with the Rev. William Pike officiating. Donations may be made to the charity of the donor's choice, or to the Alzheimer's Society of Calgary (1920 11 Street SE, Calgary, AB T2G 3G2) or the Care West Foundation (1070 McDougall Road NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7Z2). Condolences may be E-mailed to the family c/o leydens@telusplanet.net. Arrangements in care of Leyden's Funeral Home. Telephone (403) 228-4422.