Robert "Done Cook" McDonald

Best known to all who knew him as Done Cook or simply Cook, Robert McDonald was born on 28th February 1939 in Dominican Republic. He moved to the tiny island of Montserrat soon after birth where he attended school for a few years before moving to Antigua. Life was tough but all in all enjoyable. Everyone had a role to play and much of that role included hard work for everyone. Many young people very soon after finishing school and quite often before, would find employment as domestics for young women while young men often learned trades. Done Cook honed his skill as a carpenter after doing an apprenticeship at the Mill Reef estate on the far eastern side of Antigua.
He loved and he lived life, he loved local Caribbean food and cooking, and he really loved cricket and music. He never knew his father Belgrave who died when Robert was only a baby but he experienced a sound and strict upbringing from his mother Elizabeth, his aunts Cecilia and Veronica, his uncle George and his grandmother Henrietta.
On becoming a young man he made a move to the Virgin Islands and experienced many adventures there with a wide array of friends with whom he kept in close contact.
He returned to Antigua and in March of 1969 his son was born. Cook took great pride in being a dad and his son soon learned the ways of cricket from a Dad who saw himself as a serviceable opening batsmen who could hold down an end. He also inspired in his son among other beautiful things, a love for music and in particular the saxophone.
In 1978, he decided to move to New York and joined his brother Phillip to start a new life. He resided here until his recent passing.
Done cook was very social and built several very strong relationships and had many friends with whom he had long lasting mutual loyalty.Among them Mrs Yvonne James Dyer, recently deceased Althea James, Hilroy, Leon James, Wannie Tongue, Phons Osborne who was instrumental in enhancing Cook's exposure to music, Vanda Hunt, Emrol Destin, Pamela Joseph Elaine and Florence who were all so caring in assisting him with daily life as he advanced in years. Wally Carter, Eddie Morrissey, Terence Selkridge, Joan Derrick, her daughter Denise and granddaughter Elizabeth, Ivona, Pert, James (The rice pudding guy) and several others far greater in number to mention but no less appreciated.
The man loved life and lived it as he wished it to be lived and for that He has our utmost love and respect!