Obituaries

Merlin “Gunny” Charles Cook Jr., age 73, died on January 7, 2025, at MyMichigan Medical Center in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. He was born on August 22, 1951, in Sault Ste. Marie to Merlin Sr, and Marion (McCarry) Cook.

Merlin grew up in Dollar Settlement and graduated from Brimley High School. He joined the United States Marine Corp and held the position of a Gunnery Sergeant for twenty years. Merlin then worked for the Correctional Facility in Kinross, Michigan in the kitchen, teaching prisoners’ life skills and cooking for fifteen years. He raised his eight children.

Merlin was a member of the VFW Post 9023 in Brimley, Michigan.

Merlin enjoyed hunting and fishing and playing slots at the casino. He loved his furry friends, Daisy being his latest.

Merlin is survived by his wife, Heather Cook; children, Kris (Debbie) of Detroit, Michigan, Donita (Paul) of Detroit, Brian of Detroit, Brandy (Mark) of Pennsylvania, Brent (Brittany) of Jacksonville, North Carolina, Kaila (Brett), Tanner, Riley (Kyle) all of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario; and eighteen grandchildren; sisters, Cheryl Allard of Anchorage, Alaska, Diana (Stanley) Steinert of South Dakota, Melody (Dan) Rose of Pickford, Michigan, and Kim (Doug) Atkinson of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents, Merlin and Marion.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the VFW Post 9023, 8968 M-28, Brimley, MI 49715, on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Merlin’s honor to the Chippewa Animal Shelter, 3660 S. Mackinac Trail, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.

Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.