Surrey, British Columbia
The son of a Veteran, Mr. Cook has been a member of the Royal Canadian Legion since 1958. Mr. Cook has held several positions within the organization, eventually becoming Provincial President from 1999 to 2001. Mr. Cook is currently the Dominion Treasurer of the Legion. Mr. Cook assisted in the creation of the Pacific Command Branch Manual, which provides information regarding Veterans Services. While serving as Provincial President, Mr. Cook was instrumental in the creation of a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Program at the University of BC. Mr. Cook successfully lobbied the Government in 2005 for a grant towards the relocation and reconstruction of the Cloverdale Memorial Cenotaph. He has also ensured 35 Veterans' graves were given markers at the Cloverdale cemetery. Mr. Cook has undertaken negotiations to advance subsidized housing for Veterans, widows and seniors and is Director of the South Surrey Housing Society. In 2007, Mr. Cook was appointed Commissioner for Taking Affidavits for BC, and assists Veterans when applying for benefits. Mr. Cook has made a remarkable and lasting contribution to the commemoration of Canada's Veterans.