Dr. Cooke was born at Kingston, Ontario, May 16,1887 where he took his early education. He graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at Queen's University, Kingston, in 1910, and then took post-graduate studies in Surgery. In November, 1912, he came to Lloydminster where he practiced medicine continuously for 60 years up until December 31,1972. He served as Coroner for 58 years. He was a life member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of both Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Dr. Cooke liked to know his patients and in the Lloydminster area, he just couldn't help it. He delivered 3,200 babies before he retired at 85 years of age. His practice covered a radius of about 50 miles. He travelled by car during the summer - a Ford which he bought in 1913 - and by horse and sleigh in the winter. In 1927, Dr. Cooke spent $2500 for what he believed was the first snowmobile in the Lloydminster area. It was a large vehicle in comparison to today's machines, running on tracks and skis.

Aside from a busy medical practice, he was very active in the community life of Lloydminster. He was Reeve, Village of Lloydminster, 1926-1929; Councillor, Town of Lloydminster; 1930 - 1931; Mayor, Town of Lloydminster, 1936 - 1939; Mayor, Town of Lloydminster, 1940 - 1947, a total of 27 years. He took a very active role in the Lloydminster Board of Trade, forerunner to the Chamber of Commerce. He was the first Chairman of the Civilian Committee of the Air Cadets and also served as President of the Curling Club.

For 50 consecutive years Dr. Cooke served on the Finance Committee of the Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association and in 1967 received the Centennial Medal. As well, he served as a director on a number of local and provincial enterprises. Dr. G. L. Cooke died September 15, 1984 having given sixty years of dedicated service which will long be remembered and appreciated by Lloydminster and area citizens.

Further Reading "A Very Good Inning" by W. R. N. Blair