Farewell Randal 'Randy' Michael Cooke:
Friend, Mentor and Supervisor
Dear Randy,
I write these thoughts as a toast to the great moments we shared as friends and colleagues.Starting December 2013 when you and I finally got together on your beloved IS forecasting and budgeting, there was hardly a day that went by without us talking. You've always encouraged me to ask questions, and rather than getting angry over my mistakes, you happily provided constructive feedback and guidance on the core concepts, ensuring I understood the 'hows' and the 'whys'. You taught me to pay attention to details and "always, always, always" balance the numbers. As a mentor, you lead by example, and apart from teaching me the value of patience you also shared ways to continue growing professionally and personally.
In the internship period that we spent together, you frequently expressed your love of teaching and provided me with an excellent opportunity to learn and grow. I confidently experimented and implemented different ideas in this 'safe box', and for that, I am genuinely grateful. You were always pro-education and strongly encouraged me to never stop learning. These weren't mere words as you also ensured that I got all the tools necessary to learn... often immediately!
I'll never forget the phone conversation we had a few days before your last fishing trip when you told me how proud you were of my performance and the improvements I had made since the day I started. You called me one of your success stories and said that you were proud of having me in your team. You called me your shining star and your wingman! For all the laughs, stories and music that we shared, thank you!
Randy, you've taught me a lot more than what words can ever describe, and I feel privileged to have been developed by you. You were and will always be one of the best mentors I've ever had. I promise to honor your memory by not only being loyal to my work but also continually challenging myself. Thank you for being such a positive influence in my life. Though you are not physically among us anymore, I can feel your spiritual presence. You will truly live on in my memory.
R.I.P. Captain Cooke,(August 29, 1952 - May 17, 2014)
Your wingman,
Abijah.
Randy's obituary from The Free Press
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Randy's name to:
Heart & Stroke Foundation - BC & Yukon Division, Okanagan & Kootenay Area Office,
4 - 1551 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 9M9.
