Ryder Cook

It is with immense sadness that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of our beloved son and brother, Gordon Ryder Cook on August 11, 2025. Born on May 29, 2009, in Whitehorse, YT, Ryder moved to Banff when he was a few months old and spent his life in the Banff and Calgary area. Ryder is survived by his parents, Katherine Hogan and George Cook, his sister, Amelia Cook, his stepmom Sophie Cook, as well as grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Ryder loved being outside, especially if it involved mountain biking or skiing. True to his name, Ryder was on two wheels almost as soon as he could walk, riding every chance he got. He was an avid skier who eagerly spent time in the mountains.

Ryder was a kind and gentle soul who effortlessly made friends wherever he went. He was fortunate to be surrounded by a great group of friends. He was a dedicated athlete and teammate playing rugby with the Banff Bears Rugby club as well as the Sir Winston Churchill High School Bulldogs. Ryder also played football with the SWC Bulldogs and wrestled with the high school team. Ryder loved being a part of each of these groups and teams.

Ryder also bonded with friends through a deep affinity for music. A talented musician, Ryder started playing the keyboard at the age of 4, and by 9, he was able to play any song he heard by ear. By the time he was 13, he started on keys with his band Nameless. In 2024, he decided to try guitar. Within months, he could play all the songs he played on the keys as if he had been playing for years. Ryder would practice every spare moment he had, even at 6:00 a.m., to the chagrin of the rest of the household. We hope that his friends will continue to use music as a way to feel close to him, as we will. “Where words fail, music speaks.” - Hans Christian Andersen

A service will be held at the Rocky Mountain Resort in Banff, AB on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. In honour of Ryder’s deep love of music and sports, we encourage attendees to wear their favourite band T-shirt or team jersey.

Ryder had a fondness for animals. For his 8th birthday, he asked for money instead of gifts; he donated all the money he received to the Bow Valley SPCA. In lieu of flowers, we kindly request a donation to the Bow Valley SPCA in Ryder’s name.

“You will never truly be gone, I will hold you safe in my heart forever.” - Melissa Bray