Obituaries

COOKE, Leonard (Len) David

1942 - 2018

It is with great sadness we announce that Len Cooke rode off into his final sunset in Oliver, British Columbia, on Friday, January 12th 2018 at the age of 75. Len fought a hard battle for 10 months against Glioblastoma brain cancer. In the end, he passed peacefully at home on his ranch with his wife and son by his side. Len will be lovingly remembered by his best friend and his wife of 49 years, Donna, and his son, Loren (David), and his brother, Wayne (Pat), brother-in-law, Joe Trotz (Joanne), and sister-in-law, Dixie Edge (Marty), and many nieces, and nephews and close friends.

Our cowboy, Len, was born on April 8th, 1942 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. To say horses and animals were Len

Condolence Messages

Mar 05, 2018
Dear Donna and family,

My husband Bruce and I are very sorry to hear of Len's passing. Len influenced my horse career greatly, and I still hear his voice saying "ride, ride, ride!". So many times I realize that what I am teaching is what Len taught me with his unique way of explaining technique and philosophy. What a horseman-he sure made life better for hundreds of horses and their people. Thank you Len. Donna, you and Len always made us welcome at clinics and we will never forget your kindness.

Fonda Munro and Bruce Boughey
Feb 11, 2018
Dear Donna and Loren. So very saddened to hear of Len's passing. He was an important person in my life and made me a better person as well. I followed his clinics faithfully for some years and eventually with his wonderful help became a Western Level I Coach. I was so happy. I will never forget him saying his favorite quip once we mastered something "Piece of cake right?"We lost a good one when he departed. Rest in peace dear Len! And yes it was an honor to be his student. Joyce Davidson, Kaslo. B.C.
Jan 24, 2018
Dear Donna,

We are so sorry to hear of Lena's passing at far too young of age. He was a true country gentleman. Our thoughts are with you and Loren.

Please accept our deepest sympathy,

Gord and Sue Wolfe
Jan 20, 2018
It was quite a few years ago I had the pleasure of going to Len Cooke Clinic at the Dry Creek Ranch, with Bert and Ted Brecknell. Len and Donna were great hosts, and Len was an excellent instructor. I've never forgotten what he said and did train the cattle too. Very sad to hear of his passing, and think the poem above is suiting to him.

Blaine Stockwell
Jan 20, 2018
Dear Donna and Loren, heartbroken to hear of Len's passing. He was a very special man. I learned a lot from Len and so enjoyed riding in clinics at the ranch and elsewhere. He will be greatly missed. Doug still talks about how Len helped him 'ride into the herd' the first time he did that. Thinking of you at this difficult time.

Lynette and Doug Schmidt
Jan 18, 2018
Dear Donna and family, my family and I share many many wonderful memories of Len's kind gentle manner with all animals ...humans, horses to farm cats on the fence!!! His legacy will be that this amazing patience and passion with people and horses will be carried on from all that had the honour of being his student! Suzie D (nee Brecknell)