COOK
Robert William Cook, known to his family and friends as “Bob,” passed away peacefully on Monday, April 27th, 2026 at Inverness Hospital surrounded by love and stories. Complications from Lewy Body Disease took him from us despite a valiant effort to stay. Bob was born in Boston, MA, on October 17th, 1944, and grew up in Leominster, MA, nurtured by the Cook and Veinot families. He was a proud graduate of Cushing Academy and then of University of Vermont. He made many lifelong friends at both but was especially close to his Cushing family. Attending reunions and staying in touch with his classmates and teachers brought him great joy. He loved sports and played football, hockey, lacrosse, and rugby at various levels. He had a passion for canoeing and fishing and loved the woods and waters of Maine and Cape Breton. Bob volunteered for the draft and joined the US Army in 1966. He went to Vietnam in 1967 where he served with the Big Red One, 1st Infantry Division. He was a decorated wounded veteran who despite having faced the challenges of war was proud and honored to have served his country. He was a life member of the VFW. He maintained comradeship with many veterans, none more so than fellow veterans Will Bankert and Marty Tirrell. They shared lots of laughs and stories over countless phone calls and remained constant and loyal to the end. Bob moved to Cape Breton Island where he found and married Florence, his true love and life partner. He became a part of the Campbell Family and was loved by all the 9 siblings and their spouses, 49 nieces and nephews, and a large extended family. His laughter brought a smile to every gathering and his jokes always made us grimace or grin. He loved games especially auction, cribbage, and “Sorry” with the youngsters. He never “let” anyone win and loved to say “sorry, not sorry” to the kids. Along with the games, he helped mentor them on good manners, good English, and good times, and encouraged them to have a winning attitude. He loved each of them with gusto and welcomed them into his life and home. Work took him to Edmonton, Alberta where he discovered his interest in model shipbuilding. He founded the Alberta Ship Model Society and became a successful professional ship model builder with his model of the Bon Homme Richard on permanent display at the Naval Academy Museum in Annapolis, MD. Through this he met his mentor and friend Bob Lightley of Cape Town, South Africa and they shared great times in the workshop. Upon his return to Lake Ainslie, NS, he spent his time researching and building models for clients. He also spent endless evening hours exchanging stories on the porch of his friend, John Melvin Angione. This bond was cemented in brotherhood and the times spent together were some of Bob’s fondest memories. Then, on to Littleton, New Hampshire, where he opened a bookstore specializing in used and rare books, which was fitting since Bob had an incredible thirst for reading and books. The nature of the bookstore required him to travel around New England allowing him to explore many places and make friends at every stop. He was almost a fixture at the Topic of the Town for daily breakfast with Darrell Louis and anyone else who choose to join them and help solve the problems of the world. Bob had the good fortune to purchase part of the original Parmachenee Club on Treat’s Island in Maine. Surrounded by the beautiful waters of the lake and the Magalloway River, he found his place. It gave him true contentment that he loved to share with friends and family. It became, and was to the end, his favorite place on Earth. Here he wrote a published book, Chasing Danforth, about John Danforth, the founder of the club and a revered guide. This book is still considered a valuable source of the history of Maine Guides in the earlier times. Always an adventurer, Bob explored the many of Danforth’s trails with his good friend, Sam Spaulding and his dog, Zeke. Coming home to Lake Ainslie again, Bob started a bookstore in Whycocomagh that he ran until 2015 when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which he fought and held in check. Despite other health issues and many surgeries he continued with his usual courage, determination and a zest for life. Around this time Bob reunited with his friend, Brian MacLeod. Through a shared fascination with woodworking and an interest in Windsor chairs, they decided to attend classes at the Windsor Institute in Hampton, NH. The result of their trips was some beautiful chairs, many shared stories and treasured memories of their adventures together. After a debilitating auto accident in 2018, Bob’s health suffered greatly and then the diagnosis of Lewy Body Disease was a brutal blow and one that Bob knew would be final. Again, he faced it head-on, never giving up, always hoping for the best and showing concern for Florence and all who loved him. Supported by family, friends and fantastic caregivers, he was able to stay at home for a few more good years. Leaving behind his wife of over 50 years, Florence is joined in sorrow by all the Campbell siblings, their spouses and their children along with extended family. Also survived by his brother, Bill (Maureen) Vosborgh , many Parker cousins and his Veinot cousins and childhood mates, Tommy (Fran) Simonds and Sarah(Tom) Fullen. Grieving as well are our neighbors and friends the MacDougall and Gillis families and his devoted caregivers Mae Williams and Gwen Hillier. Bob’s circle of friends is far too long to list here but he was blessed to have each of you in his life. Please hold his laughter and his memory in your hearts. He is predeceased by his parents, Josephine and George Cook; his birth mother, Annabelle Parker Vosborgh, his sister Norma Lofland; his brothers-in-law: Gerald Crane, Arthur Gillespie, Colin Basker and Charles MacDonald and his sister-in-law Anna Basker Campbell; his precious Veinot aunts and uncles, cousins and a special young cousin, Tyler Simonds, who was especially dear to Bob. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. He will then return to Maine where he will be free forever more. Our gratitude to Dr. Suse Egar and the staff at Inverness Consolidated Hospital for their kind and willing care and support. Also, to Dr. John Ritter and his amazing, compassionate team at the palliative care unit. Thank you to Martin Flood and the staff at Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home for your guidance and support. Donations may be made to the palliative care unit at Inverness Hospital or a charity of your choice. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com.
FORSYTH
Robert Daniel “Chip” Forsyth, 80, Blue Mountain, formerly of New Waterford, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, February 11th, 2026, in the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow, with his family by his side. Born in New Waterford, the son of the late Robert and Catherine (MacLellan) Forsyth, Chip (as he was known to those closest to him), was a giant of a man, though he stood only 5’6”. He worked as an industrial mechanic with Michelin Tire, Granton, for 33 years, but he lived to spend time in the country, surrounded by nature and most importantly, his beloved wife, Isabel, his three children, and any number of extended family and friends. Chip kept life simple; he worked hard, he loved his family immeasurably, and he was a kind, generous and thoughtful soul. But his quiet confidence and iron will belied a sharp wit and inquisitive mind which led him through a lifetime of learning. Anything that piqued his interest or needed doing could always be found in a book, which he could then adeptly put into practice. If a job was worth doing, it was worth doing well. He was as likely to spend an afternoon repairing his tractor, working on the house, or planting a garden as he was to spend hours reading, learning Gaelic or tuning up his fiddle. Chip was a red seal millwright by trade but as he neared retirement, he began attending St. F.X. University and obtained a B.A. in English and Celtic Studies. He was member of the Gaelic Council of Nova Scotia for many years and remained active in the Gaelic speaking community. He had the opportunity to travel widely over the years but his favourite place in the world was Gillisdale, Cape Breton, where he and Isabel met as teenagers, later built a cottage, and returned to as often as possible. Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Isabel (Gillis) Forsyth; daughter, Rachel Forsyth (Patrick Lahey), Algiers, Algeria; sons, Sandy (Shauna) Forsyth, Falmouth; Rob Forsyth (Angela Nabuurs), Dartmouth; grandchildren, Lina Rose Forsyth and Archie Robert Forsyth; sister, Beth (Bernie) Boudreau, New Waterford; several sisters and brothers-in-law, and nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Chuck Forsyth. Interment will be in St. Mary’s and MacDougall Cemetery, Gillisdale, May 15th at 2:00 p.m. Tea to follow at Southwest Margaree Parish Hall.
WHITE
It is with sadness that we announce the death of Melvin Joseph White surrounded by the love of his wife and son by his side at Bonnechere Manor Renfrew. He was born on March 30th, 1943, in Inverness, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. He was the beloved son of the late Melvin Joseph White and Hattie White (née MacLean). Mel was the devoted husband of Anne White (née Dobec) and a loving father to Christopher White. He was a proud grandfather to Matthew and Vanessa White who brought great joy to his life. He was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Barbara Anne White (September 9th, 2024), and sister-in-law Anne White (Michael). Mel was the son-in-law of the late Martin and Esther Dobec (née Kiely). Left to mourn are his sister Anne Rumley (Al) (née White), his brother Michael White as well as his sister-in-law Ursula Holmes ( Bill), Kay (Gregory), and brother-in-law Rev. Patrick M. Dobec. He will also be remembered fondly by Donna, Charles, late Mary Lou, extended family, friends, and all who knew him. Before beginning university, he served in the Canadian Air Force. Following his service he attended St. Patrick’s College and Carleton University, Ottawa, and went on to work for the Government of Canada for many years, where he was respected for his dedication and service. Mel was passionate about reading and painting and was a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox and the Montreal Canadiens. He held a deep and lasting love for his hometown of Inverness, Nova Scotia, a love he passed on to his children and grandchildren. To this day, Inverness remains a cherished summer destination for the family and a place filled with treasured memories. Most of Mel and Anne’s family life was centered in Almonte, Ontario, where they raised their family and built many lasting friendships and memories over the years. Mel’s kindness, devotion to family, loyalty to friends, and pride in his Cape Breton roots will remain a lasting memory to those whose lives he touched. A memorial visitation will be held at the Goulet Funeral Home, 310 Argyle Street South, Renfrew, on Saturday, May 16th from 9:00 a.m. until 10:50 a.m. followed by a Liturgy of the Word in the funeral home at 11:00 a.m. Private rite of committal to follow. Donations in his memory may be made to the Bonnechere Manor Foundation Pinnacle Unit or the Renfrew and area Dementia Society. May he and Barb Rest in Peace.
WISWELL
We, the family of Elvy Earl “Nick” Wiswell, are deeply saddened by his sudden passing in Inverary Manor, Inverness on April 24th, 2026. He was born on December 27th, 1957, in Inverness to the late Robert and Agnes Wiswell. To say Nick was a character is an understatement. He spent most of his life in Inverness and was a familiar face around town – especially wherever a game of cribbage could be found. He is survived by his brothers, Roger, Jack, and Norman, all of Inverness; and his sister, Doreen (Robert) LeBlanc of Judique; as well as many nieces and nephews across the country. Besides his parents, Nick was predeceased by his brothers, Walter and Gordon; nieces, Tracey Lee and Tammy Jean; and his nephew, Trevor. We all have a “Nick” story that brings a smile or a laugh, and his memory will live on with all those fortunate enough to have known him. Honouring his wishes, cremation has taken place, and a graveside service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations in Nick’s memory may be made to the Inverness Food Bank or to a charity of one’s choice. Online condolences may be made to www.invernessfuneralhome.com.