Geoffrey Cooke, 92, of Nepean, passed away on January 20, 2025.

Geoff was born in Brighton, GB in 1932, apprenticed as a welder and then emigrated to Canada at age 17. He worked in many cities before settling in Hull, Quebec, where he met his wife, Yolande. Geoffrey married Yolande in June 1956 and they raised two children, Ricky and Michelle. He was grateful to his wife’s family for welcoming him.

Geoff worked for Babcock-Wilcox and Atomic Energy of Canada creating boilers. He then transitioned to the National Museum of Canada welding structures to support the exhibits. He retired from the National Aviation Museum where he supported the restoration team with his various skills.

Dad was a very creative welder. He created bed frames, headboards, railings, gates, trailer hitches and more. His handiness went beyond welding, he built bookshelves, cupboards, and cabinets. If we needed something for our home, he built it.

Geoffrey became an avid golfer in his 50s and into retirement proudly bringing home a few trophies. He was always on the go, cycling or walking to and from his favourite coffee spots, cutting through neighbours’ yards (with permission), with a smile and a wave saying hello.

Geoff’s last few years were spent at Valley Stream Manor, where he kept smiling and saying hello. In the Dining Room, his table was often the liveliest, where the gents would share jokes, stories and laughs.

Geoffrey is survived by his children, Ricky (Pierrette) and Michelle (Julie), and his grandson, Nathan (Danielle). Geoff will be missed by his extended family, nieces, nephews and friends.

He was predeceased by his wife, Yolande, his sisters Ada and Gina and his brother, Bernie.

The family wishes to thank his neighbours and the staff at Valley Stream Manor for keeping him out of trouble and caring for him.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Les Jardins du Souvenir Funeral Home, 75 Fournier Blvd. Gatineau, Quebec. The family will receive condolences at 1:30 p.m., and a service will follow at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following charities:

Canada Cancer Society – Prostate cancer: https://cancer.ca/en/about-us/prostate-cancer

The Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County: https://dementiahelp.ca/ways-to-give/ways-to-donate/donate-today/