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 statement released on Sunday, describing Cook as “instrumental in shaping the Canadian War Museum we know today.”
Cook had been with the museum since 2002 and was a key contributor to various permanent exhibitions, including “For Crown and Country,” which honors the South African and First World Wars. Dromaguet highlighted his role in curating significant exhibitions such as “Victory 1918 – The Last 100 Days,” “Communities at War,” and “War and Medicine.” He also led the “In Their Own Voices” oral history project, which documented the experiences of veterans and their families.
A graduate of Trent University, the Royal Military College of Canada, and the University of New South Wales, Cook was a prolific writer, having authored 19 books and numerous scholarly articles. Dromaguet noted in her statement, “As Canada”s preeminent military historian, Tim Cook”s contributions to the museum since 2002 have been enormous. He was a passionate ambassador both for the museum and for Canadian military history. He has forever left his own mark on history.”
The announcement did not specify the cause of Cook”s death or his age. In an interview earlier this year, he discussed the significance of the two world wars in understanding Canada”s development and societal changes. He stated, “Memorials help focus memory,” emphasizing the importance of reflecting on the past through monuments and memorials.
In another 2023 conversation concerning the maintenance of graves by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Cook referred to the cemeteries he visited as “sacred places” filled with history and steeped in sorrow.
The museum recognized Cook”s achievements, which included receiving 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. Dromaguet remarked that Cook had mentored many historians at the museum and helped pave the way for future research initiatives. A more formal tribute to celebrate Cook”s contributions will be announced soon.
This report was originally published by The Canadian Press on October 26, 2025.
