Thomas Edgar Cooke, BSc (Econ) 1968 (died 23 September 2014)

 

Born 24 January 1935, died peacefully at home aged 79 years, of stomach cancer, on 23 September, 2014.

 

Edgar Cooke was educated at Foyle College, Co Londonderry from 1947-1953. He was Captain of Foyle College Medallion XV from 1949-1950, Secretary of Athletics, 1952 and a member of the Athletics Team from 1950-1953. Edgar was the winner of the Victor Ludorom - he won 1 mile, 800 yards, high jump and triple jump, and was 2nd in the All Ireland 880 yards.

 

Edgar attended Stranmillis College from 1953-1956, where his passionate interest in athletics and rugby continued. He represented the Senior NI Amateur Association in the 880 yards and won the trials for the Commonwealth Games in 1958. He also played rugby for Stranmillis College First XV for three years (winners of the Junior Cup). In 1956, Edgar graduated, but continued to play Rugby for CIYMS, Ballyclare and Londonderry Teams.

 

His interest in education continued. He attended evening studies at Queen’s University Belfast, obtaining a BSc (Econ) in 1968, a Diploma in Education and a Diploma in Religious Studies. His devotion to teaching and his deep Christian Faith led him to study (part-time) at Ulster University at Jordanstown graduating in a BEd in 1987 and then a MEd in 1990, in order that his staff and pupils would have the best education he could provide. He was Principal of Mossley Primary School for 25 years.

 

In 1987, Edgar, along with some parents and teachers from Mossley and Monkstown Community schools took the Pipe Band to Sydney, Australia, where they won five world championships at the Festival of Tartans. His other interests were golf, bowls and gardening.

 

Edgar met his devoted wife, Anne, at Stranmillis College in his first month there, 61 years ago. They were married for 56 years and have one daughter, (a doctor) and two grandchildren, (both graduates in Finance and Accountancy).

 

His family and friends are devastated by his death, describing Edgar as a ‘true gentleman’.

 

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