Stephen Paul Cook
[Bulley-Graham-Rawlins Funeral Home & Cremation Services]
Stephen Paul Cook was born and raised in Bermuda. He died at the Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital of New England in Woburn, MA, on 7th June 2024, following treatment at the Lahey Clinic.
Steve’s early education was at Dellwood School and Saltus Grammar School. He entered Dalhousie University in 1963 and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts [Honours] in History in 1967. During that period, he became a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. Thereafter, in 1970 he completed his studies for the JD degree at the Faculty of Law of the University of Toronto. He then moved to the West Coast to complete his law articles with Davis and Company in Vancouver and was called to the British Columbia Bar in 1971.
He returned to his Bermuda homeland in the same year and was admitted to the Bermuda Bar in December 1971. He pursued the practice of law as an associate or partner and later as a sole practitioner. He was also a member of a number of Law Reform Commissions and occasionally sat as a Magistrate.
All the while, Steve freely served his communities. Through business associations and a variety of public service and charitable bodies, such as the Bermuda National Trust, Westmeath and LCCA, he provided guidance and legal advice.
Steve’s passion was for the sea around him. His love of boating drew him to serve on organizations focused on water safety, search and rescue, and fisheries protection, as well as on the Sea Venture Trust. His keen interest in scuba diving saw him serve actively in the affairs of the Bermuda Sub Aqua Club. He achieved the status of 1st Class Diver and Advanced Instructor of the British Sub Aqua Club, as well as membership of the Committee of Management and operator of the Bermuda Recompression Chamber Facility. The opportunity also came his way to experience diving expeditions at such international destinations as the Red Sea, the Maldives, the Solomon Islands and the Caribbean.
Amongst his eight older siblings, Steve was predeceased by Francis, Helen, John and Walter; he is survived by Bill, Robbie, George and Judy. He leaves behind other nieces and nephews in New Brunswick, Australia, the United States and Bermuda.
Steve’s ashes were scattered near Western Blue Cut by his longest-standing diving buddies.
