Tim Cook was no stranger to battles. He researched and wrote about them endlessly, but he also faced his own.
Tim was optimistic, fatalistic, realistic and stoic all rolled in together. He never let adversity weigh him down and would continue to push forward, to keep living his life, to keep reading, researching and pounding away at his keyboard, sharing his passion for history with the world.
He was the funniest person, constantly cracking jokes, and setting them up beautifully. Tim carried the room in conversations, could navigate any kind of event, effortlessly connecting with others. He showed great humility, loyalty and an easy-going nature with his many longtime friends. He was eager to share his love of hockey, reading, Star Wars and music. He coined many a Tim-ism that his family will remember forever: secret missions, double digits, straight up Charlie, Daddy sandwiches, and “Are we winning?”.
While he was an award-winning author and historian, he was also the best father, husband, brother, son, and friend. Tim prioritized his daughters above everything else, which was no easy feat given how prolific he was in his writing career. When asked for his secret, he would often joke that he had enlisted the girls or had a team of typists working away in the basement. But the secret to his success was his discipline, his absolute love of writing, and the balance provided by having such an active and close family. There was always time to craft that sentence, edit that paragraph, help coach hockey, watch that TV show or have that conversation.
He never wasted a moment.
Tim was truly loved and his absence will be felt profoundly. He is survived by his wife, Sarah, daughters Chloe, Emma and Paige, and his dog, Bear. He is also survived by his mother, Sharon, brother, Graham (Ankai), along with his mother-in-law, Jennifer, sister-in-law, Samantha (Graham), nieces, nephew, uncle, aunts, cousins and his many close friends and colleagues.
Tim would often conclude his book talks imploring Canadians to care about their history and to keep telling and reading our stories. He might also cheekily add that they could buy his latest book. Tim has left a legacy of deeply researched yet accessibly written books on Canadian military history. Pick up one of his books from your local bookstore if you can -- and keep reading, sharing and supporting Canadian history.
A private Celebration of Life will be held for friends and family at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services. Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Canadian Blood Services.
Digital Guestbook
Lorne Richardson
Cory Miller
Dear Sarah, Wishing you and the girls moments of peace, reflection and support as you navigate such a profound loss. Tim was loved and may that return to you tenfold.
Jennifer Schofield
Sarah, As a writer, historian and mentor to many, Tim's legacy will long live on through his research and writings. As a husband, father and clearly adored family member and friend, his love for you all and your love for him is so special and will allow that legacy to be even more robust with funny stories, memories, and 'Tim-isms'. I'm so sorry for your loss, may you find comfort in these legacies, and in the continued support of your family and friends.
Jeff and Victoria Burns
Sorry for your loss. Loved his books and talks at the Canadian War Museum. Will be sadly missed , Great War historian. RIP
Jeff and Victoria Burns
Sorry for your loss. Loved his books and talks at the Canadian War Museum. Will be sadly missed , Great War historian. RIP
Kimberly Leclair
I went to high school with Tim. He actually helped me through many history exams. He was just an all around great guy! Funny story, years later I met up with him at the the Museum. My son was reading Shock Troops and of course I was cleaning my son's room and was putting the book on his night stand and he was talking about the author. He mentioned the name and I did not put two and two together until he showed me his picture. I was stunned. My son has bought every book that Tim has written and loved them all! Tim was kind enough to meet with my then 10 year old son (now 30) and sign his books for him. My son was in awe of Tim and everything he was showing and explaining to him. I was just so thankful that he took the time to see my son! I am so so so sorry for your loss. I am sure it will be felt for a long time but what a legacy he has left for all of Canada.
I first met Tim at the Writer’s Festival and book signing.He was such a wonderful presenter,very friendly and kind. I kept in touch with him over the past few years and he would always reply. He looked so great during the celebrations in the Netherlands that it was a shock to hear that he passed.He leaves a wonderful legacy and students of history will rely on his writings to explain Canada’s past to them.