Dr. Donald Frederick Cook
May 22, 1937 to September 2, 2025
Obituary
For those unable to attend the service for the Dr. Donald Cook may view the service via this link: http://www.youtube.com/@anglicancathedralofst.john4736
Died in St. John’s, NL, on Tuesday, 2 September 2025, at the age of 88 years, Dr. D. F. Cook, founding-director of the School of Music at Memorial University of Newfoundland, former organist & choirmaster of the Anglican Cathedral in St. John’s, Member of the Order of Canada and honorary graduate of Memorial University.
He was the beloved husband of Clara June (nee Penney of Carbonear) for 64 years, and father of Christopher (Joyann) of Rochester, N.Y., USA, Penni (Dean Gunby) of Georgetown, ON, and Kimberley (Brian Sheppard) of St. John’s, NL. Dr. Cook was proud to be the grandfather of Colin (Sara), Claire, Carolyn, and Cameron Cook; Luke and Owen Gunby; and Eric, Sarah, Elsie and Julie Sheppard; and the great-grandfather of Camille Cook. He leaves one brother, the Rev. Graham Cook (Jocelyn) of Corner Brook, and three sisters; Sybil Steele (Martin) of Corner Brook, NL, Kathleen Greening (Wilfred) of Shoal Harbour, NL, and Marion Huxter (Curtis) of Edson, AB.
He was predeceased by brother Robin Cook in 2023, and by grandson Jonathan Cook in 1993.
Visitation will take place after cremation at Carnell’s Funeral Home on Thursday, 9 October 2025, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm and Friday, 10 October 2025, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
The funeral service will be held at the Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist on Saturday, 11 October 2025, at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Breakthrough T1D Canada (formerly JDRF).
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Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on October 9, 2025
7-9 p.m. on October 9, 2025
2-4 p.m. on October 10, 2025
7-9 p.m. on October 10, 2025
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
2:00pm, Saturday October 11th
Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Church Street, St. John's
Burial to follow at the Anglican Cemetery - Forest Road.
It is with great sadness in our hearts that we offer our condolences to the Cook Family. June, Chris, Kim, Penni and all of your children, we know what Don meant to every one of you. He meant the world to us as his neighbours in London, Ontario. There was no better neighbour than Don. We miss him dearly.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to our dearest neighbors Dean and Penni, their sons and the whole family. Please know that we will be with you in thoughts and prayers on this funeral day.
I was saddened to hear of the death of Dr. Cook. I have many happy memories of him at summer music camp and Saturday morning theory classes. He was a great teacher—encouraging, but held us to high standards. He could spot those parallel fourths in a flash! My condolences to his family.
Our family remembers Mr./Dr. Cook very well–as music master at Bishop Feild and Bishops Colleges, as choir leader at St. Thomas’ Church, as founding director of Memorial University’s School of Music, and through his involvement with the Boy Scouts organization.
Mr. Cook led the troupe of students and some of his fellow teachers who performed as Bishops College’s Pennywell Chorale, and directed those of us who staged the school’s variety shows.
Along with Mike Fewer and well-known scout leader Tom Furlong, Mr. Cook also composed and directed the Boy Scouts’ revue, “Spring Smiles and Whistles”. Tom’s son (also Tom) recalls being very entertained while they worked at the Furlong home on material for the annual presentation. Mr. Cook’s energy seemed quite unlimited; one weekend he even turned up unexpectedly with a troop of cub scouts, and persuaded our uncle to take the boys on a boat ride around the Salmonier Arm of St. Mary’s Bay!
These are just a few memories of someone whose life touched so many; no doubt his former students and colleagues have thousands more.
Our sincere condolences to the Cook family.
Wally Hutchings, Pauline Hutchings, Elaine and Tom Furlong, Doreen Dingwell
I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Cook family during this time of profound sorrow.
I have many fond memories of Dr. Cook, beginning with our very first meeting, when he convinced me that attending Memorial’s School of Music was, without a doubt, the right choice—better than any other I had been considering. Throughout my many interactions with him, these always stood out: his wonderfully colourful sense of humour, which could not be matched, and his unwavering expectation of excellence from his students. On numerous occasions, he showed me great kindness—always quietly, yet sincerely.
I will always be grateful for the encouragement and guidance Dr. Cook offered me, and for the confidence he inspired in so many of his students. His influence reached far beyond the School of Music, and his legacy will continue to live on in the music, laughter, and memories he left behind
Donna Howse Winsor
I had the good fortune and privilege to have known Dr. Cook during my relatively brief time as a member of the Anglican Cathedral Junior Choir. During which time, many memories and experiences were created, leaving an indelible impression on me.
While we did not share many lengthy conversations, it was our playful interactions that I remember. One such occasion comes to mind: Before a Sunday evening service, I was innocently perched on the window sill just inside the entrance of the Cathedral. Without so much as a polite greeting, or even a stern reminder to come down from the ledge, Dr. Cook extended one of his hands (to which I complied with a handshake), and then quickly put me on his shoulders and spun me around like a propeller. When he eventually decided to put me down, he walked back into the choir room with nothing more than a sly grin and a wink. Years later, I met Dr. Cook outside of the MUN Music School – he was wearing a familiar hat, long blue coat, and a lit cigarette. He immediately spied me and called out “Is that you, young Reid?” We spoke briefly and he was very kind in giving me the biggest compliment I could not have expected. In retrospect, I can only begin to imagine what he might have thought of me, as a hyper youngster, so many years ago.
Years later, when I returned to the Cathedral Choir, I would often share anecdotes about Dr. Cook. Many of us within the choir continued to hold him in such high regard that we would make up theatrical scenarios akin to a WWE Vignette, where the lights would go out, and you’d hear the organ start to play. Then the lights would slowly fade in as Dr. Cook would be sitting at the Casavant organ console, with the entirety rising up from a plume of dry ice as Bach’s Toccata is played. To us – he was that kind of a person – truly larger than life. To this day, I continue to share memories and anecdotes with friends and family about Dr. Cook, his large personality, and his dedication to the Arts, and Music Education in this province.
It is unfortunate that many musicians in this province still do not know about this musical pioneer, until now. People need to understand that there is more to Newfoundland Music than Sonny’s Dream, or Saltwater Joys – that is not meant to undermine the legacies of these two great songs for they have made their mark in helping to shape the identity of this province. The musical dream of Dr. Cook certainly lived up to the hype and legacy that he joyfully chose to create. His passion and influence in creating a foundation for Music Education in this province cannot be overstated – many of us are in our jobs BECAUSE of what he established. Let that sink in for just a moment. If the world had been created without Dr. Cook, then Music Education would NOT be what it is today and I believe it would not have been able to achieve the same legacy – one that has lasted for 50 years.
To conclude, I hope Dr. Cook is sharing a story with my father Ernie, with Deryck Harnett and the countless musicians whom we have lost this year. They, like us, were privileged to have known such a great man. We will miss him.
Thank you. Dr. Cook, for putting me on your shoulders, and believing in me.
They are singing up in heaven.
Rest in Peace.
I was fortunate enough to be one of Dr Cool’s junior choir members at the Anglican Cathedral back in the day.. He taught me so much about music and work ethic. Lessons which I share with my charges at my preschool. Thank you for sharing such an anazing soul. My siblings and I were so fortunate his scholars
Best regards
Ellen Reid on behalf of The Reid family.
Don Cook played an influential role throughout my life from the early stages getting started as a musician, preparing for university, as a new public school teacher, and giving me a chance to taste what it would be like to be a university professor. It was a pleasure to see him later in life in London Ontario as our paths crossed again during my tenure as a music education professor at Western University. My wife Jill Ball also worked at Conservatory Canada with Don. Our lives were both influenced by Don and we are grateful to have known him.
My deepest sympathy to June and all your family.. I first met Don as a member of the choir when he was appointed Music Director at the Anglican Catherdral so long ago! I was soon impressed by how much he knew about liturgical music in particular and by how much he cares that it be performed properly and in the spirit in which it was written. The fundamentals I learned then have lasted all my life as a chorister. I am so very grateful.
I last saw you both in Ottawa about 20 years ago. Don had come to do some adjudication and met with my daughter to kindly agree to be honorary patron of the recently founded Atlantic Voices choir. He also gave the choir an unpublished arrangement of his – a truly generous gesture.
Thank you Don for all you did for music in Canada and especiallyin Newfoundland. May you rest in peace..
Dear Mrs. Cook and family,
It is so sad to hear of Dr. Cook’s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences at this very difficult time.
I met Dr. Cook in Stephenville, Newfoundland 45 years ago where I was teaching music and he adjudicated at the local music festival. We were driving home in a snow storm and a lone figure of a man was walking in the wind and snow. When we recognized him, we stopped to offer him a ride to his hotel. He knew of me as a child musician and we got chatting. He was so pleasant that we invited him home instead for a drink and something to eat. I learned much about him in that one encounter. I remember the glint in his eye and wonderful sense of humour and was honoured by his presence.
Later, when I attended Memorial, Dr. Cook was present at the audition and attended my graduating recital. He was dedicated and available to every student. He was the go-to person if you needed advice whether sitting in his office or later over the phone. I remember him standing outside the doors at the Wednesday student concerts greeting the students as they entered. He knew everyone by name, their back stories and cared deeply about each and every one. During that time, he conducted Gilbert and Sullivan productions as well as his last performance before retiring, Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas. This was a work he loved and cherished from his Doctoral research in England. Singers and instrumentalists from that final show became some of the well known performers, composers, teachers and musicians we know today in St. John’s and in other towns and cities across Newfoundland, Canada and the U.S.
Dr. Cook was a generous spirit, an exceptional musician, a kind and loving teacher and mentor, and a true Newfoundlander with grit and determination and a great sense of humour. His influence and work as Director at the MUN School of Music contributed to the exceptional level of professionalism, success and achievement that it enjoys to this day. He was key in facilitating the construction of the music building with its wonderful recital hall and beautiful organ. He effectively constructed a home for music at MUN where thousands of professors, musicians and students have enjoyed working and playing and where they will continue to enjoy making music for years to come.
Dr. Cook was a good friend and is tremendously missed and remembered with love. His contributions are numerous, his influence global, and his legacy lives on through those that he guided with care.
Sincere condolences. I was in the play Geisha which Don directed when Ignatious Rumboldt had to take leave of absence from Memorial Ext. Choir.
My sincerest condolences to Dr Cook’s family.
He was one of the greatest influences in my life…in many ways he, together with Bishop Donald Harvey, set me on a course which I could never have imagined.
Sorry that I am in Madagascar and unable to attend the funeral.
Darrell Critch
In paradisum deducant angeli:
in tuo adventu suscipiant te martyres,
et perducant te in civitatem sanctam Jerusalem.
Chorus angelorum te suscipiat,
et cum Lazaro quondam paupere,
aeternam habeas requiem.
Graham, Kay and family, so sorry to learn of Don’s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Graham and Cook Family, please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss.
Clarke/Ottawa, Ontario
Sincere condolences to you, June, immediate family and siblings. Thinking of you all.
Wayne Rogers, Halifax.
I was very sad to hear of Don’s passing so soon after his return to his home town, I was a student of his in the late 50s and early 60s at BFC and Bishops College and sang in school choirs and the Cathedral choir, Mr Cook as he was known to us boys, gave us our early education and appreciation for music which has enriched my live ever since.
His contribution to music education and his music arrangements of many pieces will enrich this country forever.
To all of the Cook family:
We are very sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences. I remember Don from at least three periods of my life. When I was in the Cub Scouts at Holloway school, he was a leader in the “Spring Smiles and Whistles” program / variety show at Bishop Field College and we also visited Placentia one year. I remember Don being organist at the Cathedral and the great work he did there. In more recent years we met him and June as sailors, through his brother, our good friend Robin. All great memories! May he rest in peace!
Keith Noel and family
Condolences to the family .
While in high school, had many interactions with this wonderful man who ran a summer music camp in Stephenville, NL for Memorial University. I loved it! RIP.
Dear Kim, Penni, and the Cook Family. Dr. Cook’s life made a positive difference to so many people but most of all the development of the Music School at MUN. He was an excellent teacher who taught me at MUN. I so loved being a part of the MUN Festival Choir where the music chosen was always memorable. KIm and Penni and your brother have many memories of your Dad which I hope can bring you some consolation. I think these words may be something he would have said. Frederick Buechner could easily be his final message to you.
“When you remember me, it means you have carried something of who I am with you, that I have left some mark of who I am on who you are. It means that you can summon me back to your mind even though countless years and miles may stand between us. It means that if we meet again, you will know me. It means that even after I die, you can still see my face and hear my voice and speak to me in your heart.”
― Frederick Buechner
Helen Martinez, PBVM
To Sybil, Kay, Graham, Marion and families.
My sincerest sympathy. Not easy losing a sibling. I hope your treasured memories will help in the days and weeks to come.
Love and hugs,
Janet
To June and family,
My sincere condolences to all. It’s not easy losing someone so special in our lives. I know your many memories will help.
I treasure the visits when you and Don made a stop here in NB to have “a bite to eat” enroute to Nfld. They were good times and treasured memories.
Janet
Condolences to all his family and friends. May he Rest In Eternal Peace
Our deepest condolences to Rev Joselyn and all the family at this sad time Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
May God grant you strength for the coming days
Blessings
Art and Una Eddy
It has been many years since I last saw Don but I have many vivid memories of him from my young days at the CBC in St.John’s – when we were producing so many television programs – and Don was key to many of them. He was a delight to work with and had such a sense of humor about everything, yet he was determined that every piece be as perfect as possible. A delightful man and a musical genius. RIP Don.
Jim Byrd, Port Credit, Ontario
As unpretentious as he was gifted. A true son of this Province. He was a valued mentor to my late wife, Kathleen Manuel..
Deepest sympathy to Don’s family. His life was such a gift to several generations of young people and colleagues and to the Universities. I have known him most of my life. He was a special creative teacher and adjudicator. His joyful spirit will live on and he will be missed.
Aunt June, Kim, Peni and Christopher and family,
WE were so sorry learn about Uncle Don, a remarkable husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and talented musician and leader in music. We cherish all the memories and chats during your visits. We will dearly miss him. We hope all your wonderful memories will help you today and in the future.
All our love,
Darrell, Susan and Amy
The Cook family,
Sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Our condolences to all.
Isabel and Charlie Adams
Marion and family
Thinking of you all at this sad time
Sincere condolences
Elizabeth
Deepest condolences to the Cook family from Ofra and me.
Sybil and family condolences to you and your1family
On your. Loss.
Sincerely Linda (Case)Giannou
June and family
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Don’s passing. I was hoping to see him this year when he came home.
I joined the choir at age 14 and spent many memorable years there. My three children Stewart, Stephen and Susan also joined the choir at a young age. I was because of Dr. Cook that they became interested in music. He was truly a remarkable
person and his memory will live on. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Dr. Cook was a very special person to me. Such a supporter and encourager. Many happy memories of the days of Conservatory Canada. Rest in peace. Hugs to June.
Clara and all the Cook family. Fred and I send our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to you and all the family on the passing of Don. Marion and I hung out together and I always remember Don teasing and making us laugh. His contribution to our City and the Province has been amazing. and appreciated by our citizens. May you find some peace in the fact that we share in your sorrow.
Mrs. Cook, Chris, Penni, Kim and family,
I am deeply saddened to learn of Dr. Cook’s passing. Working with him for many years and watching his tireless efforts to grow music at memorial was such a privilege. I am honoured to have worked with this great man.
My deepest condolences to you all. Much love
Maria
To the family of Dr. Cook,our deepest condolences to all..
The Elmer Iseler Singers, Artistic Director Lydia Adams and General Manager Jessie Iseler send our deepest condolences to Dr. Cook’s family and to his vast array of friends and former students throughout the world.
His legacy and his gifts to the world will continue for generations to come.
We are so sorry for your loss.
He will be dearly remembered.
Lydia Adams, C.M.
Artistic Director
Elmer Iseler Singers, Toronto
So sorry to hear of Dons passing. Loved singing under his tutelage with the MUN chamber choir in the late 70’s early 80’s. Trip to St. Pierre where we got caught in a snow squall and everyone praying we wouldn’t sink. Trip to Vancouver eating in a Chinese restaurant with foods like shark fin soup and the like. And of course making ‘Winters Gone and Past’. Music I listen to, to this day.
Don made a huge positive impact on those of us who made music with him and on the province as a whole.
I am proud to have known him. He was an amazing man.
In pace requiescat
I have so many memories of my long association with Dr Cook ,both as Chamber choir member and much longer as a Cathedral chorister , and even now when singing with a chamber choir in MidWales , I often hear his voice in my head as to what his comments would have been to a particular situation!!!
He has indeed left a lasting legacy to all musicians who came within his sphere and I am the better musician for it.
Ease on Down the Road Dr Cook .
Requiescat in pace.
I send my sincere condolences to Mrs. Cook and the entire Cook family. Don was the Chair of the Department of Music when I began teaching there; he was a memorable personality and someone totally dedicated to the needs of students and the development of the department.
In sympathy,
Paul F. Rice
“Mr.” Cook taught us Music at Bishops College in the late 60s. He allowed us to bring in & play some our favourite LPs in class., which I thought was pretty cool in those days!
Dear Mrs. Cook and family,
I was so very saddened to hear of Dr. Cook’s passing. He was definitely one of a kind and a mentor I will never forget. Going through music school we learned so much from him about music, professionalism, and dedication to our craft. But it was the personal relationships he formed with us that were so important.
I suffered terribly with arthritis while in university and we had many chats about bad backs and aches and pains and how pain effected us both. He always worried about me. I would walk down the hallway and he’d yell, “Hurley! Office!” I’d go into his office and he’d say, “ How’s Art?” (my nickname for my arthritis) His concern was genuine and his thoughtfulness was much appreciated.
Those of us that chose the music education path knew that he was our biggest advocate. I started my teaching career in Goose Bay and when he came up to adjudicate our Music Festival he told me that I was doing really important work. That meant the world to me.
Rest easy Sir. You will be greatly missed.
Dear Mrs. Cook and family,
I was deeply saddened to learn of Dr. Cook’s passing. He was a tremendous influence on me, both personally and musically. As many have said, he was a brilliant musician and a gifted showman when given an audience—but some of his most meaningful work took place behind the scenes, one-on-one. Like the finest teachers, I believe he cherished those moments as much as we, his students, did.
I will miss our regular phone conversations, where he so generously offered wise counsel and lightened the moment with humorous stories—often just when I needed them most. His kindness, insight, and encouragement have left a lasting mark on me, and I will miss him greatly.
I do hope the memorial service will be live-streamed, as I cannot be in St. John’s for what I know will be a fitting tribute to a remarkable musician, mentor, and friend.
With deepest sympathy,
Doug Rose
June and family,
No words can convey my deep sorrow at the passing of my teacher, choir master and Cathedral organist. I was looking forward to seeing him again when he returned home.
REQUIEM AETERNAM DONA EIS, DOMINE, ET LUX PERPETUA LUCEAT EIS..
Many happy memories of his time in London, where he often played at the cathedral while i was Assoc and later DoM. We often met up at his local Tim’s. He was a gentleman to his core, and couldn’t abide what he saw as a personal betrayal by the Anglican Church when it adopted the BAS and started moving away from the BCP. Ar dheis Dé go raimh a anam.
Mrs. Cook, and indeed all the family.,
My wife Jean and I were very saddened to hear of the passing of this wonderful man, who did so much to promote the musical heritage of this province . It would take much more time than is available or appropriate here to describe the influence Dr. Cook had on my life, as he has had on so many other students of his. He started me off on the pipe organ when I was in my early 20’s, and he was such an inspiration that I must have driven him crazy looking for more lessons, and he never turned me down. Over 50 years later I am still playing the organ and directing a church choir,.
“Requiescat in pace”, Dr. Cook.
Bob Rose
Inspiring musician. Passionate teacher. Superb showman. Visionary leader. Demanding taskmaster (show up prepared, do your best or go home). Without him, there would be no music school. I cannot share my favourite quote of him (bitingly funny but unsparing of the alto section and Anglicans). My favourite memory of him (besides playing the organ with all stops out at my father’s funeral) was him sweeping onto the ACC stage with Dame Vera Lynn and accompanying her while she sang, “The White Cliffs of Dover.” An indelible man. An extraordinary life. Loved and admired him.
Sincere condolences to the Cook family. How can I and my fellow MUN music graduates ever express our debt of gratitude to this man. His vision provided the opportunity for so many young NL musicians to follow their dreams. He accepted me to music school, a kid from Chance Cove, with limited music training, but a strong desire to become a music teacher and set me on the path of a career I loved. If you did your best, practiced and arrived to concerts on time ( he checked you off at the door!) he became the strongest advocate you could ever have. RIP dear Dr Cook, I’m sure you’re already whipping that angel choir into shape.
The Cook family. Sincere sympathy on the passing of a treasured father and loving spouse. Dr. Cook taught me music at Bishops College back in the late 60s and I remember him as our organist and choir master at the Cathedral. May Dr. Cook’s gentle soul rest in peace.
Dearest June
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Donald was such a dynamic presence in this province and I know how proud you were of his success and of your devotion to him. I have thought of you often with kindness and fond memories. I hope that in your despair that the joy you shared will bring you some comfort. Carol Furlong
Condolences to family and friends(special mention to Don’s sister, Marion Huxter,AB., I’ve met Dr. DON Nany many years ago,and worked with his sister Marion, as she was the Secetary-Manager of the Real Estate Co. i worked with so many years ago-They were from a wonderful, wonderful,trusting family.Our thoughts and prayers, GOD BLESS-Jim(Ex RCAF Ret’d) Retired REAL ESTATE Broker Owner after 62 years St. John’s ;Wife Nelia Campbell, ST. JOHN’s NFLD. CANADA. (never a 51st state)