OTTAWA — The Canadian War Museum has announced the passing of its chief historian and research director, Tim Cook. The museum's CEO, Caroline Dromaguet, shared the news in a release on Sunday, stating that Cook was “instrumental in shaping the Canadian War Museum we know today.” His tenure at the museum began in 2002, and he significantly influenced its exhibitions and outreach efforts.
Tim Cook was notably involved in the creation of the museum's permanent exhibition titled “For Crown and Country,” which focuses on the South African and First World Wars. Dromaguet highlighted his role in curating major exhibitions including “Victory 1918 – The Last 100 Days,” “Communities at War,” and “War and Medicine.” Moreover, he championed the oral history project “In Their Own Voices,” which aimed to collect interviews from veterans and their families, showcasing his commitment to preserving the stories of those who served in Canada's military conflicts.
Cook was a highly educated individual, holding degrees from Trent University, the Royal Military College of Canada, and the University of New South Wales. His academic prowess was complemented by his prolific writing career, which saw the publication of 19 books and numerous scholarly articles. Dromaguet emphasized Cook's importance in the field of military history, recognizing him as Canada’s leading military historian and praising the significant contributions he made to the museum since his arrival.
In her statement, Dromaguet noted, "(He) was a passionate ambassador both for the museum and for Canadian military history. He has forever left his own mark on history." However, the announcement did not provide details regarding the cause of Cook’s death or his age, leaving many unanswered questions surrounding his sudden passing.
In a 2023 interview with The Canadian Press, Cook spoke about the importance of memorials, particularly in relation to the refurbishment of the National War Memorial in St. John's and the construction of a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He emphasized that the two world wars are crucial for understanding the evolution of Canada and the shaping of its society. He stated, “Memorials help focus memory,” highlighting how Canadians collectively decide what aspects of their past, including war and sacrifice, deserve remembrance through monuments and memorials.
Another 2023 interview regarding the maintenance of graves by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission revealed Cook’s deep respect for these sites. He described the cemeteries he visited as “sacred places,” filled with history and steeped in sorrow. He noted their significant emotional power and the stories they hold about those who served in wars.
In recognition of his contributions, Tim Cook was awarded several honors, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation, and the Governor General’s History Award. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and a Member of the Order of Canada, underscoring his accomplishments and esteemed position within the Canadian historical community.
Dromaguet added that Cook played an essential mentoring role for many museum historians, paving the way for future research endeavors. A formal opportunity to celebrate Cook’s vast contributions to Canadian military heritage and his influence on the museum will be announced soon, ensuring that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
