It is with great sadness the family of Richard Ernest Gook Senior announces that he passed away November 6, 2013 at Dunrovin Lodge in Quesnel BC.
Richard was born in Quesnel, the second of four children, and grew up in Kersley on Hold Rd. As a young man Richard joined the armed forces serving overseas as a lieutenant in the Second World War for five years. His regiment fought for the Liberation of Holland in 1945 and Richard returned to Canada later that same year. In June of 1946 Richard married his lifelong sweetheart Flavia at the Catholic Church on Front Street.
Richard followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a BC Land Surveyor in 1956. Through his work he surveyed many areas of the interior including Wells, Nazko, Williams Lake and the Chilcotin. He later articled his son Richard as a BC Land Surveyor.
Richard was a personable, independent man with a strong sense of justice. He worked at the local,
provincial and federal levels to promote change.
Richard was a devoted family man who deeply loved his children and grandchildren. Riders Ridge, the log home he built on the Hydraulic Road with views of Dragon Lake, was a sanctuary for family and a touchstone for friends and relatives. Richard loved the outdoors and canoed many rivers in central BC. He also enjoyed fishing the small lakes close to his home. Richard and Flavia were life long square dancers and never missed the Old Time Fiddlers New Years Eve Dance.
Richard is predeceased by his beloved wife Flavia of 64 years, his parents Ernest John and Marjorie Gook, his brother Hugh Gook and his sister Ruth Webster. He is survived by his brother Peter Gook, children Betty Ambery, Judy McGregor, Richard Gook (Monica), Carolyn Jacob (Norman), eleven grand children and three great grand children.
The family would like to thank the staff at Dunrovin Lodge who supported Richard in his final years.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00pm Saturday, November 16, 2013 at St. John the Divine Anglican Church in Quesnel. A reception will follow at the Tower Inn.
Donations in Richard’s name can be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 94.
Richard will be deeply missed by family, friends and colleagues... the Cariboo has lost one of its founding fathers.