Obituary of David Richard Cooke

To view the livestream of the service, please click here.

David was raised in Kingston, Ontario. He attended KCVI before studying at Queen's University. As a young man, he proudly served with the Fort Henry Guard.

Called to the Ontario Bar in 1967, David moved to Kitchener, where he made his home for decades. He began his legal career as Assistant City Solicitor before establishing himself as one of the region's most respected criminal defence lawyers. He approached the practice of law with compassion and respect, especially for young offenders. 

David became a Liberal at the age of 12 when he campaigned for Louis St. Laurent. He was elected as Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener, serving two terms in the Ontario Legislature (1985-1990). During his time at Queen's Park, he chaired committees examining international trade and economic affairs, bringing thoughtful leadership to issues of provincial and international importance.

Following his legislative service, David continued to contribute to public life as a member of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, where he authored significant decisions that helped shape the development of immigration and refugee law in Canada. He also served for many years as a director of the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC).

David was defined by the way he lived. He enjoyed travelling and spent many years as the “Skootamatta Lake Sea Monster” at his cottage. He believed in giving back to his community, serving as a Big Brother and was active in the United Church choir and communities at Trinity United Church in Kitchener and St. Paul’s United Church in Dundas. He loved dogs, music, birthdays, and newspapers. He was a great storyteller and had an even sharper sense of humour. A devoted Monty Python fan, he delighted in laughter and rambunctious shenanigans.  And although he couldn't cook, he loved "stirring the pot".

David was predeceased by his beloved wife, Myrta Rivera; his parents, Dr. Alan Cooke and Viola Kinsella; and his brother, Malcolm Cooke. He is survived by his sister, Carolyn McCulloch; stepdaughter Ioanna Sahas Martin (Dan Martin) and stepson John Sahas (Joe Olynyk); his cherished grandchildren, Gabriel, Jacob, and Grace; his devoted nieces and nephews, grandnephews and grandnieces; and many close and devoted friends who cherished his wisdom, humour, kindness, and friendship.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the personal support workers, nurses, caregivers, and staff at Caroline Place and Queen's Garden in Hamilton for their compassionate care, kindness, and dignity they provided. They are angels walking among us.

A Funeral Service will be held at St. Paul’s United Church, 29 Park Street West, Dundas on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 11a.m.

A livestream and recording of the funeral service will be available on David’s tribute page at www.erbgood.com.

A Graveside Service will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery, Waterloo on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 11a.m.

A Reception will be held at Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street South, Waterloo on Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 1 – 3 p.m.  

In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family or donations to MacWheelers Exercise Program for Adults with Spinal Cord Injury at McMaster University or the ALS Society of Canada may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or at www.erbgood.com.