ROBERT M. COOK of Lethbridge passed away on August 9, 2010 at the age of 88 years at the Chinook Regional Hospital.

Bob is survived by his wife Beth; children Linda (Ron) Muskopf, Dick (Mary) Cook, Janet Christians (Frank) and Christine (Gary) Vucurevich; 12 grandchildren and 12 great- grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents Mason and Dorothea Cook; brother Babson Cook and sister Glenna Sharkey.

Bob was born on June 15, 1922 in Ipswich, Mass. His career in music and teaching began in New England until he moved to Spokane, Wa. in 1962 and finally to Alberta. He came to Canada in 1971 as the Supervisor of Music for Alberta Culture, Youth and Recreation, became the Director of the Alberta College Music Centre and then returned to Alberta Culture as the Director of Performing Arts. He served as an adjudicator, clinician, guest conductor, music teacher and promoter of the Arts across North America. Bob came to the University of Lethbridge in 1984 when he was invited to create a School of Fine Arts. He became the first Director/Dean retiring in 1989.

One of Bob's proudest accomplishments was the formation of the Lethbridge Community Band in 1987 which he conducted for 10 years. He was a loving father, caring friend, inspirational teacher and beloved husband who will be dearly missed.

A Celebration of his Life will be held at ST. AUGUSTINE'S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 411-11 Street South, Lethbridge, AB on Monday August 16, 2010 at 2:00PM with Canon James Robinson, officiating.

If so desired, donations can be made in Bob's name to: St. Augustine's Memorial Fund, the Heart Function Clinic c/o Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, 960 - 19 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 1W5, the Lethbridge Community Band, Box 1921, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4A8, or a charity of your choice.