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Fred Cook Obituary
He is survived by loving family - daughter Wendy and sons Richard and Michael (wife Brenda and grandson Robert) of Edmonton as well as brother Dick (wife Pat) of Oceanside California. He is predeceased by his wife Mary and brothers Bill and Bob.
Ted graduated from the University of British Columbia with Bachelor and Master Degrees in Science and later completed a PhD from the University of Edinburgh. Joining the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Alberta in 1964 as a soil scientist and microbiologist, Ted loved his teaching and research until his retirement in 1983, when he was awarded the distinction of Professor Emeritus.
During his career, he was one of three seminal researchers who discovered Myxin (1966) (F. D. Cook, E. A. Peterson, and D. C. Gillespie), and he later worked with many graduate students at the University of Alberta. He published numerous scientific papers, and even in retirement, continued to grow bacteria in a fridge in his basement, and experiment with different fertilizers on an occasionally multi-hued lawn. Ted enjoyed the woodwork shop and spent many hours building projects and doing repairs for friends and family.
Born in Ottawa, Ted Cook was one of four brothers raised in Smithers B.C. His father was a carpenter, hunter, trapper, and fur buyer. Throughout his life, Ted was a consummate outdoorsman who enjoyed many adventures hunting and fishing.
The family requests no flowers; however, gifts to your favorite charity in Dad's name are appreciated. At Dad's request there will be no service.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Kathleen Heller
April 28, 2016
We are so sorry to hear about your dad.Michael and I will always remember his kindness and trip to the grocery store when we visited.He scanned our cart made sure we had bacon ,pancake mix and his cereal.We have such fond memories of his stories.So lucky to have spent time with him.love Kathy,Mike and Emma
Lynne Sigler
April 28, 2016
Your father had a remarkably long life doing the work he loved. I enjoyed the story of him doing bacterial research in his basement frig. He was a microbiologist who loved isolating and studying the organisms in culture. I got to know Ted when he became a member of my graduate committee in 1974. He was interested in my fungal research, helpful and offered gentle criticism. I am sorry to learn of his passing.
Lynne Sigler, U of A Prof Emerita
Andy Sadlowski
April 27, 2016
My deepest and sincere condolences, Wendy and the Cook family. I feel your pain.
GOD Bless you all.
April 27, 2016
Hello Mike and family,
You likely don't remember me (Cindy Shaw) but I graduated from Scona the same year as you. I was only at Scona for one year in grade 12. Subsequent to that I did a BSc in Forestry and then MSc in Soil Science at the U. of A. where I met your father. I took his graduate microbiology course and did a one-on-one directed study with him. I absolutely loved your Dad. He was one of the best teachers I ever had. In the directed study he always made me feel like we were "in it together" trying to answer important questions and making exciting discoveries. I am sure I am not the only student that he influenced in so many positive ways. You were lucky to have him as a father.
With sympathy,
Cindy
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