Stuart Cooke – 1948 to 2023

Stuart Cooke, 75, of Moncton, passed away peacefully at The Moncton Hospital on July 6, 2023. Born in Moncton he was the son of the late Baillie and Eileen (Stubbs). Stuart was a member of Acacia Lodge #49 for over 25 years, where he served his lodge in many offices.

He enjoyed connecting and visiting with members of the lodge who were going through tough times and checking in with members’ surviving partners. Recently, he co-founded and was the chaplain of Cornerstone Lodge, a daylight lodge focused on accessibility for all members. He found great meaning and satisfaction in life, particularly in his later years, thanks to the camaraderie of his masonic Brothers. As a young man, Stuart loved cars, later competing in rally and road racing.

After retiring, he developed a passion for woodworking, using his talents to craft various items used in Cornerstone Lodge. He had a profound love and enduring commitment to his wife, sons, and sisters. He was caring, thoughtful, and always strived to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Stuart’s infectious ear-to-ear smile, hearty laugh, and silly dance will forever be cherished and remembered. Stuart is survived by his wife of 48 years, Margaret (Mitton) Cooke; sons William Cooke and Matthew Cooke (Tyler Rowsell); and sisters Taffy Metz (Larry) and Barbara Kochanski (Rick)

E. Arthur Young – 1930 to 2020

E. Arthur Young, age 90, of Marjorie Street, Moncton, after battling the challenges of Alzheimers, passed at his last residence, the Briarlea on Ryan.
Born in Hespler, ON, he was the son of the late Robert Arthur Young and Elsie May Pullam.
He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Lyn (Fraser), his sons Warren (Faye), Brian of Stratford ON, David of San Carlos CA. Grandchildren Arden Young (James Venus) of London ON, Jeff Young (Nea) of Ottawa, Kelsey Bauzin (Mark) of Caledonia ON and Chantal Young of Stratford ON, great grandchild Jackson Venus and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents he was predeceased by infant son, Ward, brother Robert and sister Marina.
Art did his university studies in sociology and psychology, including a Master of Social Work. His studies included service in street missions in Toronto helping people with drug and alcohol addictions and those without a home. His view of service has been to change the world, not to save it. He has always seen the big picture. His initial work was as a child protection worker. He later provided support and counselling services at a center for recovering alcoholics, which eventually led to him serving as director of the NB Alcohol and Drug Dependency Commission. Subsequently Art accepted a request to serve in the same capacity for Newfoundland and Labrador, including providing professional services to all the remote First Nation communities. Art worked at Centracare in Saint John providing long-term mental health services, and he became Manager of Social Work at the Saint John Regional Hospital.
After his first retirement, Art volunteered at a Moncton Food Bank before joining Family Service Moncton as a therapist and Clinical Director. By teaching family education courses, he also taught many people the benefits of mindfulness-based stress reduction for wellness.
After moving to Moncton from Hampton, Art joined the staff of the Running Room allowing him to share his love of athletics and words of wisdom with the Moncton running community. A Boston Marathon alumnus, many will remember him cheering from the top of Heartbreak Hill “You Got This” as he joyfully supported his wife Lyn in her running adventures as well as all of the Moncton gang. Art was an icon at so many local running events. He had a passion for cycling, snowshoeing, and loved wilderness canoe tripping and fishing.
Art has served his community through membership in the Freemasonry fraternity for more than fifty years. His service through this organization has been recognized at the highest levels, and his many works have included assisting in the development of a learning center for people with dyslexia and organizing annual camps for children survivors of cancer. As Past Master of Acacia Lodge # 49 F & AM, 33 Degree Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite, Member of the Royal Order of Scotland and former Senior Grand Warden of Grand Lodge of New Brunswick, Art embodied everything a true Mason should strive for. He excelled at degree work and was passionate about Masonic education.
Art was former member of the choirs of St. Johns United Church and Stilesville United as well as serving on several church committees. It was often remarked that Art had a preachers voice.
Art was a dog whisperer, a lover of birds, and of all things in nature, adored babies and children and sharing family vacations with his boys and grandchildren. He loved his family and was very proud of the fine men that his sons became.