Canada’s History Society mourns Tim Cook

Home / Explore / Arts, Culture & Society

Canada has lost a great historian, a gifted writer and a tremendous human being. The board of directors and staff of Canada’s History Society share the grief of all who are mourning the passing of Dr. Tim Cook, a committed friend of our organization and a champion of its goal of connecting Canadians through history.

“Tim’s contribution as a board colleague was immense,” said Natasha Pashak, Chair of the Board. “He could always be relied on for wise counsel, thoughtful consideration of the issues, and impassioned discussion on history. He was unfailingly kind and encouraging.”

Dr. Cook served three terms on the organization’s board and helped shape its history publication for children, Kayak, as a member of its historian advisory group. He wrote articles for the flagship magazine Canada’s History and facilitated strong relationships with the Canadian War Museum, where he was such an integral, even revered figure.

In 2013, Dr. Cook received the Governor General’s History Award for Popular Media: The Pierre Berton Award, as part of the awards program overseen by CHS. The citation highlighted the way his writing captures “the reader’s attention and heart,” making history “accessible, vivid and factual.”

“It’s difficult to comprehend the enormity of this loss,” said Melony Ward, President and CEO. “Tim’s work helped Canadians understand our past and what it means for who we are as a country. He had so much more to contribute, but what a legacy he leaves. We are grateful to have known him. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and the countless people touched and enriched by his work.”