Obituary of James Glen Cookson
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Glen Cookson “Cookie” on Friday, August 4th, 2023 at the age of 63, surrounded by his loving family after a long, but courageous battle with cancer at the St. Catharines General Hospital. Glen leaves behind his loving wife Carolyn, of 34 years and his two girls, Carly (Chris) and Briar (Jordan), they were his everything.
Proud son of Carmel Cookson and the late Henry Cookson, brother to Donna Cookson (Allan). Glen, has now become united again with his brothers Doug & Mark Cookson and his best 4 legged buddy Chester. Glen will be dearly missed by his in-laws who loved him as a son, Mary Plata and the late Mitch Plata. Brother- in- law to Gary Plata, brother - in- law to Catherine Walsh (Kelly) and many nieces and nephews. Glen will be missed by many cherished friends, teammates, co-workers and grand pups (Jemmie & Kendle, Bodhi & Apollo).
Glen’s career began in 1990 with the St. Catharines Fire Department Local 485. He took great honor in becoming a Captain in 2003 where he served his community professionally. Glen took great pride in taking care of his crew, always concerned about their safety and making sure he cooked breakfast for the crew while they completed their morning chores. Even during the times when he was on modified duty for when his illness progressed, and where he was not able to fulfill Fire Captain duties, his dedication and commitment to the love of his job showed. Glen would call into the Platoon Chiefs office from home the night before a snow storm to tell them to have the plow ready for him in the morning. Glen retired his firefighting career in 2020.
Glen, an avid sports fan and athlete for most of his life, enjoyed playing Hockey and Lacrosse. Growing up, Glen played on the St. Catharines Jr. B Falcons and the Niagara Spartan Warriors Lacrosse team. Cookie, known for his high energy and determination to win, brought these teams much success. In the later years of his life he discovered a new found passion to play Golf, which he tried his very hardest to keep playing until the very end, in a true fighter fashion. He was not letting his disease hinder on the things he enjoyed most. Glen was a lifelong fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Capitals.
Arrangements have been entrusted to GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday August 9th, 11:00 am at St. Alfred Roman Catholic Church, 272 Vine Street, St. Catharines. Cremation has taken place.
A special thank you to Dr. Lynett, Dr. Levesque, palliative visiting nurse Andrea, Nurse Practitioner Raeanne and the late Dr. Kapoor for giving Glen the extra time with his family & friends. Especially the St. Catharines Fire Dept Local 485 for their endless love and support.
In lieu of flowers, donations to any of the following of your choice, the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, The St. Catharines Fallen Firefighters Memorial or the Walker Cancer Centre would be greatly appreciated by Glen’s family.