Phyllis Lorraine Cook

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother, Phyllis Cook, who died early Saturday morning surrounded by family at the age of 74. She had bravely fought a battle with cancer over the past three and a half years.

Phyllis is survived by her husband Doug; children Travis, Darcy and wife Susan, Alysson and husband Shawn Vidal; grandchildren Nolan and wife Amber, Grace, Hannah, and Rebekah Cook, and Hattie, Everett, and Miller Vidal; brothers Brian Lindquist and wife Dianne, Les Lindquist and wife Nancy, and Kevin Lindquist; as well as many aunts, nieces and nephews. Phyllis was predeceased by her brother Keith who died in childhood, and parents Phillip and Mildred Lindquist.

Phyllis was known for her passion for learning and spent her entire life as an educator or pursuing education herself. Born into a farming family near Waldeck, Saskatchewan, Phyllis was the second of 5 children. The passing of her younger brother Keith when she was just 9 years old was very formative, shaping her faith, her love for children, and her curiosity for understanding the individuality of each and every person she met. From an early age she aspired to be a teacher following in her mother’s footsteps. Their family was actively involved in their local church and as a 16 year old she travelled throughout a number of Saskatchewan communities teaching children’s Bible clubs. In 1966, at 17 years old she enrolled a 3-year program at Winnipeg Bible College where she met Doug. They both graduated in 1969 with BRE degrees and were married that August. The following year she obtained her Manitoba teaching certificate and began teaching at Jameswood Elementary School where she taught for 6 years.

In 1976 Travis was born, soon to be followed by Darcy in 1977, and Alysson in 1981. This began her next career as a devoted mother. Doug and Phyllis raised the children alongside a close-knit group of young families, often sharing meals and adventures together. She nurtured her children to grow in their strengths. She had a special bond with each of them, championing their individual pursuits. Later she welcomed Susan and Shawn developing beautiful friendships with them, as well.

But motherhood was not the end of her passion to pursue her own education. She continued part-time studies eventually earning her Masters of Education from the University of Manitoba. In 1987 she became the founding principal of Linden Christian School fulfilling her dream to provide a quality Christian education program for children. She continued in this position until 2004 during which time the school grew from an elementary school of 33 students into a K-12 school with nearly 800 students and over 80 staff.

In 2006 Phyllis began working at Glenwood School in the Louis Riel School Division where she was further able to mentor teachers and use her administrative experience to advocate for funding for students with special needs and greatly advance the programs for these students in that school. During these years until her eventual retirement in 2021 she modelled the importance of connecting with students as individuals. She valued so much the time spent in the classroom directly with students because it allowed her to use her gift of curiosity to really understand the uniqueness of each and every student. Earlier this year she was able to record her reflections on inclusive education and share it with the LCS staff. We hope she will continue to inspire educators for years to come.

Phyllis will be deeply missed by her sweetheart, Doug. They were truly partners in every ambitious venture they pursued over their 53 years of marriage, including the building of the school and family businesses. They shared many special times together with family and friends and enjoyed some travels abroad, but more notably times at home on their acreage. They shared a common bond in their love for the Lord and in sharing His love with others.

Phyllis was an encouragement to nearly everyone she met, but no one received more praise than her beloved grandchildren. They were her most precious “sweetie hearts” who could do no wrong. Somehow, they were each the most intelligent soul she had ever met, but of course all in their own unique way.

A special thanks to the Emergency Care staff at Grace Hospital, the wonderful nurses at Cancer Care and the particular care and diligence of both her family doctor and her oncologist.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, April 28 at 5:30 pm at Grant Memorial Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Phyllis’ memory to the Bursary Program at Linden Christian School.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thomsoninthepark.com for the Cook family.