Obituary of Robert "Ron" Ronald Cook

Cook, Ron R It is with great sadness that the family of Ron R. Cook announces his sudden passing on Tuesday, January 9, 2018, at the age of 78, in Kentville. Ron was the son of the late Bud and Edith Cook of Wolfville. Ron is survived by his wife Doreen (Griffin); son Tanner Cook (Tracy) Halifax; stepson Patrick Burns (Marion), Loon Lake, Florida and grandchildren Chelsea, and Brett; sisters-in-law Geraldine (Royal) Cooper, P.E.I.; Angela (Jody) Griffin, Bridgewater and brother-in-law Mitchell (Aileen) Griffin, New Brunswick. Ron was born on April Fool's Day, 1939 in Wolfville NS. Ron went to school in Wolfville and later went to Mac's Business College, Kentville. In his twenties Ron went to Acadia University and was the first male at Acadia to take Home Economics. Ron was always interested in cooking and fine foods and later became a chef for his own restaurants. When Ron was about fifteen he formed his own band, The Ron Cook Orchestra with young local musicians. Ron's band played dances in the Cornwallis Inn, Digby Pines, Camp Aldershot, local schools and clubs in the 1950's and early 1960's. In 1966, Ron and his wife Doreen moved to New Orleans where they were married. Ron was a member of the Club Managers Association of America for fifteen years. He was the general manager for country clubs in New Orleans, Louisiana; Hattiesburg and Jackson, Mississippi. In 1980, Ron opened his own French cuisine restaurant in Jackson; Chez Rone. Ron and Doreen came home to Nova Scotia in 1983 where they bought Victoria's Historic Inn, in Wolville. They owned and operated the Inn from 1983-89. Ron then renovated the Inn's Carriage House in 1984, and in 1991, it became the Gingerbread House Inn. Ron won a first-place award from Historic Nova Scotia for his Victorian architectural designs and renovations. At that time, the Carriage House was over a hundred years old. Ron had many interests and hobbies. He was an avid gardener, constantly creating beautiful gardens, trellises, birdhouses and flower boxes. In Blue Rocks, he enjoyed creating folk art around his seaside property. He built a lighthouse gift shop which sold many of his artful creations. Jazz music, photography and home movies were great passions for Ron. Ron himself played saxophone, trumpet, flute, trombone and guitar. Ron loved to travel and on his many adventures he would take photographs and movies which he loved to share with his family back home. There will be no funeral by request, but there will be a celebration of life for Ron later this year. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of one's choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr. (902-679-2822).