Lieutenant Colonel Joseph P. Cooke

On the list of those whom death has recently called appears the name of Lieutenant Colonel Joseph P. Cooke, whose career in political and military life was a notable one. Liberal educational opportunities and thorough training qualified him for the bar, and he was recognized as an able and learned member of the profession. His abilities recommended him for political leadership and he was called to important public offices. Quebec numbered him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Drummondville in 1858. His father was Valentine Cooke and his grandfather, an officer in the army, received a land grant from the British government in recognition of his services.

Lieutenant Colonel Cooke attended St. Francis College in Richmond, there pursuing his more specifically literary education, while in McGill University he prepared for the bar and was graduated B. C. L. in 1880. The following year he was called to the bar of Montreal and entered upon active practice in partnership with Charles Brookes, K. C. Subsequently he began practice independently and was widely recognized as a strong and able lawyer, whose legal counsel was sound and whose powers of discrimination and analyzation enabled him to readily master all the details of his cases and win success in their conduct. In 1893 he was created king’s counsel.

While in the practice of law Colonel Cooke passed far beyond the point of mediocrity and won place with the capable members of the Montreal bar. He was also active as a political leader and participated in many of the contests of his day. Originally his support was given the conservative party and as its candidate he won the seat for Drummond county in 1892, remaining a member of the provincial house throughout the session. He was ever fearless in support of his honest convictions, however, and when he was led to change his opinions by reason of his study of political conditions and situations he did not hesitate to become a liberal and in 1897 contested the seat for St. Lawrence division, but was defeated by A. W. Atwater, K. C. Soon after the election he was named crown prosecutor and acted in that capacity with Rudolph Lemieux, K. C. He was succeeded in the position by Edmund Guerin, K. C., now the Hon. Justice Guerin. In 1907 Colonel Cooke was named registrar for Montreal West and continued in that position until his demise. While in the legislature he was instrumental in securing the passage of a bill prohibiting the sale or use of tobacco or opium to or by minors. He never hesitated to advocate the principles which he deemed beneficial measures in good government or factors in the welfare and progress of city and province.

Colonel Cooke’s connection with military affairs began when he joined the volunteer militia service, in which he was advanced through positions of minor rank until he assumed command of the First Regiment, Prince of Wales Fusiliers. After five years, or in 1903, he retired and was placed on the R. O. with his rank. He commanded the Bisley team in 1898. In 1902 Colonel Cooke was presented to the present king and queen at St. James’ palace. He was also presented to King Edward and by invitation was present in Westminster Abbey at the coronation of the late King Edward and Queen Alexandra in 1902.

In 1880 Colonel Cooke married Miss Helen Grace Burnett, a niece of the late Archbishop Bond, and they became the parents of a daughter and two sons. Violet Burnett; Herbert G., who was educated in the city schools and McGill University and is connected with the office of registrar of Montreal West; A. Douglas, educated in the city schools and McGill University, is now connected with the engineering department of the Canadian Pacific Railway. He married Nita K. Wallace. The death of Colonel Cooke occurred on the 28th of July, 1913, when he was but fifty-five years of age. His record is one of usefulness in the public service, of devotion to the interests of his clients and of fidelity to the ties of home and friendship.