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Thomas Cook Obituary
South Burlington - Thomas Cook, 62, of South Burlington, a beloved family member and friend, died unexpectedly August 23, 2018, while living out his dream of island life retirement in Costa Rica.
Tom was many things: a Navy veteran, a master electrician and business owner, a boater, a fisherman, a jokester, a music lover, but above all, he was a loving son, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend. He had a zest for life. He worked hard and played harder. He didn't waste a second of his time on earth. He lived life to the fullest.
Tom was born in Portland, Maine on April 3, 1956 and grew up in South Burlington, Vermont. He graduated from South Burlington High School in 1974, served his country in the Navy from 1974 - 1976. He started and was owner of Topkat Enterprises LLC where he worked most of his life as a master electrician. The past few years, he wintered in Florida, and spent his summers on his boat at Champlain Marina, Malletts Bay, Vermont.
Tom leaves behind his sisters, Sandra C. LaFrance of Highgate, Vermont and Constance Schalk of Sebring, Florida; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, along with lifelong and close friends.
Tom was predeceased by his sister Julie LaChance in 2005, his father Chester J. Cook in 2006, and his mother, Madlyn McKee Cook in 2017.
A celebration of Tom's life will be held at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 1233 Shelburne Road #B1, South Burlington, Vermont on January 5, 2019 at 6pm. All are welcome that knew and loved Tom.
Corbin & Palmer Funeral Home, 9 Pleasant St Essex Junction, VT assisting with arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Cook
Sponsored by Corbin and Palmer Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Essex Junction.
MARTY MESICK
December 13, 2018
It was back in the 70's, I was at my cousins house Holley and Kara's house for a cook out. We were taking a walk down White St. and we run into this skinny long haired red headed kid named Tommy. Full of piss and vinegar! Ran into him after that from time to time in the 70"s that lost touch with Tommy until 2003 were I ran into him again when he Bid a project I was managing. After that we worked together for a for a time at Ronco. He all ways made thing fun at Ronco. I will all ways remember "We aren't here for a long time, we are here for a good time" Cheers Tater, I still miss you! See you on the other side.
Tommy and his boat!
MARTY MESICK
December 13, 2018
MARTY MESICK
December 13, 2018
It was back in the 70's, I was at my cousins house Holley and Kara's house for a cook out. We were taking a walk down White St. and we run into this skinny long haired red headed kid named Tommy. Full of piss and vinegar! Ran into him after that from time to time in the 70"s that lost touch with Tommy until 2003 were I ran into him again when he Bid a project I was managing. After that we worked together for a for a time at Ronco. He all ways made thing fun at Ronco. I will all ways remember "We aren't here for a long time, we are here for a good time" Cheers Tater, I still miss you! See you on the other side.
November 15, 2018
Dear Sandy,
Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. May you find peace and comfort in the Memories you and others shared with your brother.
Tami and Brian Candib, So. Burlington, VT
Todd Kinneston
November 10, 2018
So sorry for your loss Cook family! Anything I can do for any of you, please reach out through Dad.
We grew up about as close as two families could be, 2 doors up the street. Tom was ALWAYS full of smiles, laughter, and LIFE!
You were always larger than life when I was a kid, Tom, and I always remember one of your important life lessons; "If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space!"
Say hello to Julie, Chet, Mickey, and my Mom, see you later!
Todd
Michael Peters
November 10, 2018
Hello my friend, I have you in my thoughts always. I will continue as you had said to me, to tear life open like a Christmas present. Bye for now.
Ken Schofield
November 9, 2018
Heaven just got a whole lot cooler. Save me a seat and we'll catch up later on, Tom.
Anne Blair
November 9, 2018
Thanks for the fun times on Lake Champlain. And for all the electrical work over the years. I appreciated being able to call on your expertise. Your zest for life is inspiring. Will try to honor your memory by taking that to heart. You are greatly missed. My condolences to your family and close friends.
Til we meet again.
JON GILBERTSON
November 9, 2018
Tom I will always remember you as the guy who brought an energy with you wherever you went,always full of conversation and most definitely always had an opinion.The world is a lesser place without you in it, hopefully you are in a better place now.
Jeff & Roberta Jarvis
November 9, 2018
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal." - Headstone in Ireland
Further on up the road our friend
Paula Hansen
November 8, 2018
Miss you my good friend, still so hard to believe you are gone, see u in the next life, peace out.
Donna Jocelyn
November 8, 2018
You were a awesome friend that took me under your wing when I moved here, I knew no one here in Vermont and you helped me start my life here and helped me through a really bad time in my life. You helped me make the best of it and gave me lots of laughs and great memories, with that I thank you for who you were, RIP my friend you are loved and will be missed
Patrick McCaffrey
November 8, 2018
Tom didn't tell me how to live, but showed me how to go get it.
Love him and miss him always.
Jill McCaffrey
November 8, 2018
Hard to put into words how much fun Tom was to be around...always positive and smiling about something!
He will be missed by so many. Prayers and peace to his family, and all who were fortunate enough to spend time with him.
Tina Wallis
November 8, 2018
Tom was an awesome friend. He was in my wedding. Richard and I will miss him very much. He was always smiling when I saw him. All my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
November 8, 2018
My sincere condolences to the family. May you put hope in the God of all comfort to strengthen and console your hearts.
Psalm 27:14
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