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