Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great Canadian, Gordon Cook.
York-Simcoe suffered a great loss on March 22 with the passing of this fine man. Gordon was one of those rare individuals with great energy and a continually positive outlook, able to manage a demanding public life, a full family life and a thriving 100-acre cattle farm in King township.
Mr. Cook's impressive public service career included 11 consecutive years on King council, five years as reeve and eight years on county council. He was the last warden of York county. He participated on York region committees and boards, including the Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority.
Proud of his agricultural roots, Gordon bred an impressive breed of cattle, the Lincoln Red Shorthorn.
To his wife Alma and his family, the people of York-Simcoe and I express our great respect and appreciation of Gordon Cook's legacy. Gordon, you have our thanks.