Jeffrey Cook

Jeffrey Michael Cook was born Sunday, December 30, 1956 in St. Anthony’s Hospital, The Pas, MB and was raised on the Big Eddy Reserve by his mother and father, Irene and Solomon Cook (predeceased December 26, 2016 and April 11, 2000). He avoided attending Residential Schools by hiding out in the bush when the Indian Agents came around to pick up the kids they were taking to the School. Jeffrey did attend some schooling at Sacred Heart Catholic School as a young boy, knowing no English when he started his education. Jeffrey failed his first year at school and he came back the following year to pass. His first language was Cree and it never left him. It was observed in his last days that he responded more readily to those who spoke Cree to him. Jeff was very proud of being First Nations and he was once active in the American Indian Movement. He and some other members tried to join the Lakota during the Wounded Knee incident (1973) at Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota but were turned away at the border. Spiritually, he turned more to Traditional Native Ways and Teachings as he grew older; offering tobacco, smudging and developing his own conversation with the Creator. Another place where Jeff found refuge and solitude was tinkering on cars and motorcycles; often taking these on travels around the countryside, for he so loved to be on the move. Jeff wouldn’t hear of joining any motorcycle clubs because he was too much of a 'Lone Rider' who disliked the idea of rules that any membership would force on him. He was the epitome of Born Free. He had a special spot in the hills near the Saskatchewan/Manitoba border where he would drive to and spend time alone, absorbing the peacefulness of these natural surroundings. Jeffrey did not finish high school immediately as he started a family and he was determined to always work hard and support his children. However, he did complete his high school as an adult at the Kelsey Learning Centre. Jeff  had a penchant for construction and the North. He worked in parts of Northern Canada on various building projects, such as the Keeyask Dam and with Sigfusson Construction in Landers, Manitoba.  His last job was at McGillivary Care Home in Maintenance but due to his illness, he resigned. He attended and graduated from Building Maintenance in Thompson, MB that helped to bridge the gap between working in labor jobs and management in the field of construction. Jeff did have some supervisory roles on some of his construction jobs and he was known as a fair and natural leader in these positions. Jeff thought nothing of visiting his children in their adult years and helping them with projects around their homes. He was also known to go over to anyone in need and readily assist them with helping build a new addition, installing a tub, waterproofing a foundation…you name it. After a strong battle with lung cancer, indicative of his fierce fighting spirit, Jeff passed peacefully in his sleep on Friday, March 31, 2017 at St. Anthony’s Hospital, The Pas, MB with many of his children and family by his side, at the age of 60 years. Jeff is survived by his children from his first marriage, Jodee, Jefferson, Descanon (née Alma) Cook and by his children from his common law relationship with Sandra Miles, David Miles, Damien, Irene, Harley and Annie Cook; as well as Ashley Halkett; Jefferson’s children Significance, Jenna, Dion, Rheana; Damian’s children Fiona Patchenose and Alyssa Cook; siblings David "Cookie", Johnny Cook, Derrick Cook, Margaret “Tippy" Cook, Annie Head, Jerry “Ribs” Cook and Rosina McGillivary. Jeffrey predeceased by his brothers Greg Cook, Daniel Cook, Solomon Jr. Cook, Roderick Carson Cook.  If we forgot anyone it was not intentional. WAKE SERVICE April 3, 2017 and April 4, 2017 Margaret Henderson Parish Hall, Opaskwayak, MB FUNERAL Wednesday, April 5, 2017 1:00 pm Church of the Redeemer, Opaskwayak, MB Presider: Rev. Irene Personius Eulogy: Derrick Cook and Jefferson Cook Scripture Readings: Annie Mink, Margaret Cook, Irene Cook PALLBEARERS Jefferson Cook, Descanon Cook, David Miles, Damien Cook, Irene Cook, Harley Cook, Annie Cook, Derrick Cook. HONOR GUARD Matthew Cook, Madeline Cook, Clarice Cook. INTERMENT St. Michael and All Angels Cemetery, Opaskwayak, MB RECEPTION Margaret Henderson Parrish Hall, Opaskwayak, MB In lieu of flowers, donations to the Rod McGillivary Memorial Care Home, Box 10790, Opaskwayak, Manitoba, R0B 2J0, would be appreciated by Jeffrey’s family.