Obituary of Jan R. Cook

COOK, Jan Robert Surrounded by his loving family, Jan passed away peacefully at his home on Friday August 19th, 2016, at the age of 68. Best friend & beloved husband of Lori. The forever loved father of Stephen (Angelina), Adam (Cara Raich), Amy (Danielle), and Gavin. Proud Papa of Alexandra, Georgia, Abigail, A.J., Aidan, Liam, Edison, and step-grandfather to Caitlynn. Predeceased by his parents John Clarence Cook and Georgia June Cook. Dear son-in-law of Shirley McKinnon. Brother of Jackie, Lyn, Debbie, and cousin of Dave Alexander. Jan was born and raised in St. Catharines. Although his most cherished roles were father, husband, friend to so many, Jan dedicated his life to improving and making a difference in the city he loved through business and in his countless volunteer activities. For over 40 years Jan Cook’s name has been synonymous with business and community leadership. Jan’s tenacity, grit, loyalty, and determination have been the hallmarks of his sustained success in life. In 1968, Jan joined his father’s company, now known as Credit Bureau Services Canada. After a brief stint in the CFL, he returned to the family business in 1970. During this time the family enterprise acquired the local Manpower franchise and Jan was appointed General Manager. He grew the company, built a winning team, and garnered national awards for customer service and business growth. With the support of his wife Lori and youngest son Gavin, he spent the last three decades working with his eldest children, Stephen, Adam, and Amy, at Credit Bureau Services Canada. Jan loved the business and the entire Credit Bureau team. He was extremely proud to work alongside his children, watching them continue the family business. In addition to his entrepreneurial achievements, Jan will be remembered for his significant contributions to health care in our community. He led the “Breakthrough Health Care” campaign to raise $7.2 million to get Niagara its first MRI scanner. As co-chair of the Niagara North Cabinet for the NHS’s “It’s Our Time Campaign” Jan and his team helped raise $40 million and achieved their ambitious goal to build the new hospital. Jan‘s other fundraising projects benefited the Sexual Assault Centre, the Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region, Community Care of St. Catharines & Thorold, the Seymour-Hannah arena, and Gillian’s Place. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Jan’s last fundraising effort accomplished a goal many thought unattainable - to raise enough money to keep the Burgoyne Swimming Pool open for kids to enjoy. Jan has a long list of community service and business leadership awards, most notably as recipient of both the Queen Elizabeth Golden Jubilee Medal, and the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal given to Canada’s most extraordinary citizens for their significant contributions and accomplishments, a Lifetime Achievement bestowed upon him by the Niagara Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, and the Rotarian Paul Harris Fellow Award. Jan served on the Boards of the St. Catharines Club, the St. Catharines Golf & Country Club, the St. Catharines Business Club (Honourary Life Member), CAA Niagara, and many others. Jan and Lori‘s favorite retreat was their Marco Island home, where they enjoyed the companionship of each other, created countless family memories, and the fulfillment of many friends. Perhaps Jan’s most enduring quality was his passionate and unwavering commitment to his family, his friends, several businesses, and volunteer activities. Jan will be profoundly missed by so many lives he touched, and will be forever remembered as one very unique and distinct personality. Special thanks to the nurses and medical staff of the Dialysis Unit of the NHS-St. Catharines Site. Jan's family will receive family and friends at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. A Celebration of Jan's Life will be held at Bethany Community Church, 1388 Third Street, St. Catharines on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at 11 a.m. A private family burial will take place at a later time. Reception will follow immediately after the service, location details will be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Community Care of St. Catharines & Thorold, or to Canadian Tire Jumpstart.