Robert William Cook, known to his family and friends as “Bob”, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 27th, 2026 at Inverness Hospital surrounded by love and stories . Complications from Lewy Body Disease took him from us despite a valiant effort to stay .
Bob was born in Boston, MA on October 17, 1944 and grew up in Leominster, MA, nurtured by the Cook and Veinot families. He was a proud graduate of Cushing Academy and then of University of Vermont. He made many lifelong friends at both but was especially close to his Cushing family. Attending reunions and staying in touch with his classmates and teachers brought him great joy.
He loved sports and played football, hockey, lacrosse and rugby at various levels. He had a passion for canoeing and fishing and loved the woods and waters of Maine and Cape Breton.
Bob volunteered for the draft and joined the US Army in 1966. He went to Viet Nam in 1967 where he served with the Big Red One, 1st Infantry Division. He was a decorated wounded veteran who despite having faced the challenges of war was proud and honored to have served his country. He was a life member of the VFW. He maintained comradeship with many veterans, none more so than fellow veterans Will Bankert and Marty Tirrell. They shared lots of laughs and stories over countless phone calls and remained constant and loyal to the end.
Bob moved to Cape Breton Island where he found and married Florence, his true love and life partner. He became part of the Campbell Family and was loved by all the 9 siblings and their spouses 49 nieces & nephews and a large extended family. His laughter brought a smile to every gathering and his jokes always made us grimace or grin. He loved games especially auction, cribbage and “Sorry” with the youngsters. He never “let” anyone win and loved to say “Sorry, Not Sorry” to the kids. Along with the games, he helped mentor them on good manners, good English and good times and encouraged them to have a winning attitude. He loved each of them with gusto and welcomed them into his life and home.
Work took him to Edmonton, Alberta where he discovered his interest in model shipbuilding. He founded the Alberta Ship Model Society and became a successful professional ship model builder with his model of the Bon Homme Richard on permanent display at the Naval Academy Museum in Annapolis, MD. Through this he met his mentor and friend Bob Lightley of Cape Town, South Africa and they shared great times in the workshop. Upon his return to Lake Ainslie, NS, he spent his time researching and building models for clients. He also spent endless evening hours exchanging stories on the porch of his friend, John Melvin Angione. This bond was cemented in brotherhood and the times spent together were some of Bob’s fondest memories.
Then, on to Littleton, New Hampshire where he opened a bookstore specializing in used and rare books which was fitting since Bob had an incredible thirst for reading and books. The nature of the bookstore required him to travel around New England allowing him to explore many places and make friends at every stop. He was almost a fixture the Topic of the Town for daily breakfast with Darrell Louis and anyone else who choose to join them and help solve the problems of the world.
Bob had the good fortune to purchase part of the original Parmachenee Club on Treat’s Island in Maine. Surrounded by the beautiful waters of the lake and the Magalloway River, he found his place. It gave him true contentment that he loved to share with friends and family. It became, and was to the end, his favorite place on Earth. Here he wrote a published book, Chasing Danforth, about John Danforth, the founder of the club and a revered guide. This book is still considered a valuable source of the history of Maine Guides in the earlier times. Always an adventurer, Bob explored the many of Danforth’s trails with his good friend, Sam Spaulding and his dog, Zeke.
Coming home to Lake Ainslie again, Bob started a bookstore in Whycocomagh that he ran until 2015 when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which he fought and held in check. Despite other health issues and many surgeries he continued with his usual courage, determination and a zest for life.
Around this time Bob reunited with his friend, Brian MacLeod. Through a shared fascination with woodworking and an interest in Windsor chairs, they decided to attend classes at the Windsor Institute in Hampton, NH. The result of their trips was some beautiful chairs, many shared stories and treasured memories of their adventures together.
After a debilitating auto accident in 2018, Bob’s health suffered greatly and then the diagnosis of Lewy Body Disease was a brutal blow and one that Bob knew would be final. Again, he faced it head-on, never giving up, always hoping for the best and showing concern for Florence and all who loved him. Supported by family, friends and fantastic caregivers, he was able to stay at home for a few more good years.
Leaving behind his wife of over 50 years, Florence is joined in sorrow by all the Campbell siblings, their spouses and their children along with extended family. Also survived by his brother, Bill (Maureen) Vosborgh , many Parker cousins and his Veinot cousins and childhood mates, Tommy (Fran) Simonds and Sarah(Tom) Fullen. Grieving as well are our neighbors and friends the MacDougall and Gillis families and his devoted caregivers Mae Williams and Gwen Hillier. Bob’s circle of friends is far too long to list here but he was blessed to have each of you in his life. Please hold his laughter and his memory in your hearts.
He is predeceased by his parents, Josephine and George Cook; his birth mother, Annabelle Parker Vosborgh, his sister Norma Lofland; his brothers-in-law: Gerald Crane, Arthur Gillespie, Colin Basker and Charles MacDonald and his sister-in-law Anna Basker Campbell; his precious Veinot aunts & uncles, cousins and a special young cousin, Tyler Simonds, who was especially dear to Bob.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. He will then return to Maine where he will be free forever more.
Our gratitude to Dr. Suse Egar and the staff at Inverness Consolidated Hospital for their kind and willing care and support. Also, to Dr. John Ritter and his amazing, compassionate team at the Palliative Care Unit. Thank you to Martin Flood and the staff at Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home for your guidance and support.
Donations may be made to the Palliative Care Unit at Inverness Hospital or a charity of your choice.
Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com
